Thank you for choosing to share your story with ADvocate. Your experiences are valuable contributions that help raise awareness about the profound impact of assistance dogs on the lives of individuals with disabilities. To ensure a constructive and respectful sharing experience, please follow these submission guidelines:

 

Content focus and themes:

• We welcome personal stories related to assistance dogs. Share your journey as a handler, service provider, family member, educatory, or advocate. 

• Submissions must work to meet at least one of our aims:

  • Highlight the role of assistance dogs in facilitating independence and their positive impact on daily life. 

  • Provide a voice for assistance dog handlers, sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the special bond they share with their assistance dog. 

  • Expose the challenges faced by assistance dog handlers. 

  • Educate the public about the vital support provided by assistance dogs. 

 

Submission format:

• Written submissions:

  • Submissions should be between 300 and 2000 words in length. Other lengths will be considered on a case by case basis.

  • You can submit your written story by: 

    • Typing directly into the textbox provided. 

    • Saving your written file in a commonly used format and uploading in the space provided. 

  • Photos may be added to your written piece. Please ensure that:

    • They are relevant to the piece you have written. 

    • High-quality images in a .jpg or .png format.

    • Include a brief description/caption for each photo. 

    • Do not share photos that may compromise your safety or the safety of others. 

    • Photos must respect the privacy and dignity of individuals portrayed in the images. 

• Please contact us for details on how to share submissions in other formats, e.g. video and audio. 

 

Originality and permissions

• Ensure all submissions are original and not previously published elsewhere. 

• If your story includes external sources, properly attribute and cite them. 

• By submitting your story, you affirm that you have the necessary rights and permissions to share the content. Including:

  • Only submit photos that you have taken yourself or have the necessary rights and permissions to share. 

  • If the photo includes identifiable individuals, obtain their consent for publication. 

 

Privacy and consent:

• Protect personal information, including names, addresses, and contact details. Respect the privacy of all individuals mentioned in the story. 

• If the story involves minors, do not use their name or share identifying information. 

• If the story involves a service being discriminatory, do not use their name or share identifying information. 

 

Content review and moderation

• Our team reviews all submissions with care. 

• ADvocate reserves the right to moderate, edit, or remove content that violates guidelines or is deemed inappropriate. 

 

Crediting and usage rights

• Contributors will be appropriately credited for their stories. 

• By submitting your story, you grant ADvocate a non-exclusive license to use, modify, and display the content for educational and promotional purposes. 

 

Positive community engagement

• We are proud to embrace a supportive and inclusive environment for all contributors. 

 

Contact and enquiries

For any questions or concerns related to story submissions, please reach out to our team on info@ad-advocate.co.uk

 

Thank you for being part of our community and sharing your story with ADvocate. Your contribution helps us create a more empathetic and inclusive world for assistance dog teams and their handlers. 

Can I remain anonymous when sharing my story?

Yes, we understand that some contributors may prefer to remain anonymous. If you wish to do so, please indicate it in your submission, and we will respect your privacy. 

 

How long will it take for my story to be reviewed and published?

Our team carefully reviews all submissions, and the process may take some time depending on the volume of contributors. We aim to publish as many stories as possible and will inform you once your story is ready for sharing. 

 

Can I include photos in my written submission?

Absolutely! We welcome photos that complement your written story. Please ensure that the images are relevant and respectful, as outlined in the submission guidelines. 

 

Can I edit my submission after I've submitted it?

Unfortunately, once a submission is received, it becomes part of our review process, and editing may not be possible. We encourage you to review your story carefully before submitting it. 

 

Will I receive feedback on my submission?

While we strive to provide feedback on every contributor, the volume of submissions may make this challenge. However, rest assured that every story is appreciated and valued. 

 

Can I share my submission on social media or other platforms?

Yes, you are welcome to share your published submission on your social media and other platforms. We encourage contributors to spread awareness and promote understanding through their stories. 

 

Can I share someone else's story on behalf of them?

We respect the importance of personal stories and prefer to receive submissions directly from the individuals involved. If you wish to share some else's story, please courage them to submit it themselves. 

 

Can I submit content that has been published elsewhere?

To maintain originality, we prefer submissions that have not been published elsewhere. However, if you have a compelling story previously shared, please contact us, and we can discuss the possibility of featuring it on ADvocate. 

 

Will I be notified if my story is published?

Yes, we will notify you via email if your story is selected for publication. Please ensure you provide a valid email address when submitting your story. 

 

Can I withdraw my submission after it's been sent?

Yes, if you wish to withdraw your submission, please notify us at store@ad-advocatae.co.uk and we will respect your decision.