The empowerment process in four advocacy organizations of people with disabilities.

Abstract

Empowerment efforts directed at increasing control over relevant features of the environment were assessed from individuals associated with local independent living centers (ILCs) from the states of Utah, Louisiana, Washington, and West Virginia. Data were collected over a period of 24 months in three of the groups and up to 45 months in the other. Copies of each organization's group minutes were collected to identify disability-related issues discussed during monthly group meetings. Interviews with key group members and ILC staff were conducted to identify actions taken to address selected issues, and outcomes of group members' activities. A descriptive summary of the types of actions and outcomes reported by participating groups is provided. The issues and challenges of conducting empowerment research with consumer advocacy organizations are discussed.

Causal Relationships Between Poverty and Disability

“…The first outcome involves a reduced ability to assert one's rights and to act in an empowered manner. Balcazar, Mathews, Francisco, Fawcett, and Seekins (1994) defined empowerment as the process of individuals who lack an equal share of valued resources gaining access and control over those resources. Three empowerment-related effects are considered likely.…”

Building Value‐Based Partnerships: Toward Solidarity With Oppressed Groups

“…Coalitions and advocacy organizations, which consist of several different individuals, groups, and organizations, have come together to agitate for social change. Such initiatives typically have a strong social action and social justice orientation, and include advocacy organizations for people with physical disabilities (Balcazar, Mathews, Francisco, Fawcett, & Seekins, 1994) and mental health challenges (Nelson, 1994), feminist movement organizations (Riger, 1984), partnerships to eliminate violence against women (Huygens, 1996b), partnerships to eliminate racism (Contos, 1997;Huygens, 1996aHuygens, , 1997Mukherjee, 1992), partnerships to promote health and to prevent problems in living (Kaftarian & Hansen, 1994;, and community economic development enterprises designed by and for low-income groups to meet both their social and economic needs (Bennett, 1992;Papineau & Kiely, 1996). Consciousness raising, political education, and advocacy are the tactics of such initiatives (Freire, 1970).…”

Applying Social Empowerment Strategies as Tools for Self-Advocacy in Counseling Lesbian and Gay Male Clients

“…The Concept of Empowerment Empowerment is an ongoing process. It involves extensive reflection relating to issues of control, critical awareness, and participation of people lacking an equal share of valued resources (e.g., power, fairness; Balcazar, Mathews, Francisco, Fawcett, & Seekins, 1994;D. D. Perkins & Zimmerman, 1995).…”