Advocate for Service Quality
Office of the Advocate for Service Quality
Community Agency
Mandate
"The Office of the Advocate for Service Quality (OASQ) helps government better support:
- Adults with a developmental disability (this includes Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
- Teens with a developmental disability who are almost an adult
- Teens with special needs
- Family members and others who support a person with a developmental disability" [Website]
Summary
The Advocate's job is to help transitioning youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families access supports and services that are available. They help with services from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and other government ministries, Community Living BC and community agencies. All services are free.
The Advocate will give information and advice, refer to supports and services, support ability to “work through the system”, give an outside perspective and work to help solve problems. They help seek quality service by asking questions, empowering individuals to to advocate for themselves, building collaborative relationships and finding common ground.
If you have a developmental disability and need help getting quality service, contact the Advocate.