Abstract - New Zealand's National Health and Disability Advocacy Service: A successful model of advocacy

Jean Drage

Health and Human Rights 14/1

Published June 2012

Abstract

Advocacy is a broad, if not clearly defined, term often used to inform, support, and represent individuals and groups. This paper, in exploring both the debate and practice of advocacy, uses the National Health and Disability Advocacy Service in New Zealand to describe a successful model of advocacy that is based on the concept of empowerment practiced in an independent environment and strengthened by an enforceable framework of consumer rights.