Asking For Help
You cannot find the pasta aisle in a grocery store. What is a polite way to start asking for help?
"Excuse me..."
Who could help you if you are confused about a bus route?
Bus driver/transit worker
Self-advocacy means:
A) Ignoring problems
B) Communicating your needs
C) Letting others decide everything
B
True or False:
It is okay to ask someone to repeat information.
True
You cannot find the bathroom in a restaurant.
What could you say?
“Excuse me, where is the bathroom?”
True or False:
Adults should never ask for help because it shows weakness.
False
You are at a doctor’s office and do not understand something. What could you say?
“Can you explain that another way?”
“Could you repeat that?”
Give ONE example of self-advocacy at work or school.
asking for clarification
requesting written instructions
asking for a quieter space
Which is MORE professional?
A) “YO WHAT??”
B) “Could you repeat that please?”
B
Your coworker explains something but you are confused.
What could you say?
“Can you explain that another way?”
“Could you show me?”
Name ONE clear question you could ask if you are lost in a building.
“Can you help me find Room 204?”
“Where is the office?”
Name ONE place in the community where people often ask for help.
store, workplace, library, transit station, gym/community center
Complete this sentence:
“I work best when __________.”
(any reasonable answer)
Name ONE communication strategy that can help when nervous.
deep breathing
using a script
writing notes
asking one question at a time
You need more time to finish a task.
What could you say?
“Can I have a few more minutes?”
“I need a little more time.”
What are the 3 steps to asking for help?
1. Get attention politely
2. Explain the problem
3. Ask clearly
You cannot hear the cashier well. What is an appropriate response?
“Sorry, could you say that again?”
“I didn’t hear you.”
Why is self-advocacy important?
helps others support you
improves communication
increases independence
prevents misunderstandings
What is “clarification”?
Asking for more information or a better explanation
You feel overwhelmed by noise in a busy environment.
What could you say?
“Can I move somewhere quieter?”
“I need a short break.”
You missed part of the instructions at work. What is a good way to respond?
“Could you repeat that?”
“Can you show me again?”
“I’m not sure I understood.”
You are late for an appointment because the bus was delayed. What should you do?
call ahead
explain politely
ask for help/reschedule
A supervisor gives instructions too quickly. What is a respectful self-advocacy response?
“Could you slow down please?”
“Can you write that down?”
“Can you show me an example?”
Why is it important to give enough information when asking for help?
helps others understand
solves problems faster
avoids confusion
You accidentally interrupt someone speaking.
What is a good repair strategy?
“Sorry for interrupting.”
“Go ahead.”
“I’ll wait.”