Advocacy

Action to Create Change

At the Irish Guide Dogs, we support our clients in Self-advocacy, Individual advocacy and Collective/Systems advocacy.

We work to empower our clients to speak up for their rights and needs while working with organisations to foster greater understanding, improve accessibility, and create lasting change.

Advocacy means taking action to create change and we are guided by the below principles in helping our clients to find their voice.

Self-Advocacy

We believe in the power of every individual’s voice. Our role is to support our clients to advocate for themselves — ensuring they are central to every decision.

Rights-Based

Our advocacy policy is centred on the legal and human rights of all our clients to equal access of services, respect and participation.

Systemic Barriers

When systemic barriers prevent equity or inclusion, we work directly with organisations to provide education, guidance and hands-on support.

Education

We work with organisations to help shape inclusive policies, training, and practices that remove obstacles and open opportunities.

Collaboration

Our approach is built on mutual respect, shared goals and collaboration. We ask organisations to partner with us in creating positive, sustainable changes in their processes and policies.

Support

When we achieve this change, we will continue to engage with our clients to offer advice and encouragement in their own advocacy journeys.

Foster Inclusion

We work with communities to increase awareness of client partnerships and accessibility rights. Through education and engagement, we continue to work to promote a culture of inclusion across Ireland.

Contact us

If you have experienced an issue with access to a business or service, please let us know via the form below.

Similarly, if you have any questions or if your business needs advice on accessibility issues, please email ClientServicesTeam@GuideDogs.ie.

We are here to help.