This study set out to establish if there were any differences in reasons for citizen p participation/advocacy between Canadian and American settings, and to determine similarities and differences between the two countries in relation to disability/public policy. Comparisons were made between community leaders active in the disability arena in Canada and the United States. This study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods in its design. Historical reviews of achieves were reviewed to examine the historical perspectives, and a mail survey questionnaire was forwarded to people identified as citizen advocates in Canada and the United States. Canadians were up two times (OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.38, 1.98) more likely to participate in advocacy activities to improve access to services at a regional/policy level, while Americans were nearly 3 times (OR=2.54, 95%CI=1.22, 5.30) more likely than Canadians to participate in groups to access services for themselves or their families. This study provides some empirical understanding of the dynamics leadership and citizen participation play when striving to improve the community's health, particularly from the vantage point of reducing health disparities for people with disabilities and morbidity/mortality outcomes.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants be able to: 1. 2. 3
Keywords: Access and Services, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.