Advocacy Matters Reports: Read the Full Reports

Please find below the links to the new ‘Advocacy Matters’ reports, developed by the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) and the Patient Advocacy Service.

You can read the full reports and their executive summaries here:

The reports outline our observations and experiences in providing advocacy support to people during the Covid-19 pandemic. They focus on the work carried out by both Services during the pandemic, particularly during the period from March 2020 – March 2021, outlining the support we provided and the positive outcomes this advocacy support helped to achieve.

The reports show the hugely detrimental impact that the pandemic, its restrictions and the subsequent disruptions to healthcare services in Ireland have had on people with disabilities.

They convey how Advocates have helped people to have their voice heard and to progress issues and decision making in line with their own wishes. Throughout the course of the pandemic, they have made a significant difference to the lives of people with disabilities.

The reports make it clear that we must ensure that the voice, will and preference, and human rights people with disabilities are always recognised, particularly if we want to ensure the same mistakes are not made if there is a future crisis.

To achieve this, it is imperative that we make sure that people with disabilities are at the centre of decision-making processes, leading decisions about their own lives and providing input into the development of key policies and legislation.