Self-Advocacy
What is Self-Advocacy?
Speaking up for yourself and your needs.
Why is Self-Advocacy important?
To help you to get what you need in life.
List someone in your circle of support at home
Mom, Dad, Grandparent(s), other family members
The teacher says it's time to stop working on the quiz but you're not done.
What is the problem? What can you do?
The problem is that you are not done with your work yet.
You can tell the teacher you are not done and ask if you can have extra time or finish later.
You just got asked to do something you really do not want to. Role play how you would self-advocate and answer the person.
Thank you for inviting me! I won't be able to make it, but maybe next time.
I have a conflict that day and can't come.
I am going to do X instead, but thank you for thinking of me.
When is it a good time to be a self-advocate?
A) Always
B) Never
C) Only if I have a disability
D) Only if I have an illness
Always!
What are some things to know before you start trying to advocate for yourself?
Know your rights and have respect for others and yourself
How can you advocate for someone else?
Tell the other person to stop
Get help from a trusted adult for the other person
Help the person leave the situation (leave with them)
Stand with the other person
Your teacher gives you extra work because she thought you were talking during the lesson but it was another kid near you that was talking.
What is the problem?
What can you do?
The problem is that you should not be punished for something you didn't do.
You can calmly let the teacher know that you were not talking and that it was someone nearby you. You can tell the teacher you were paying attention by letting her know what you learned.
Your sibling is pushing your buttons. How do you advocate for yourself?
Tell them you need space
Separate yourself
Don't engage
Get help from a parent if they persist, before you do something you regret
Who might I self-advocate with at school?
Teachers, staff (like counselors), and peers
What is a goal?
Something you want to work towards.
If someone cannot help me when I ask, what should I do?
If you cannot solve the problem on your own, ask another person for help.
You are playing outside at school and notice some kids calling another kid names.
What is the problem?
What can you do?
The problem is that it's not okay to call others names, especially if it's multiple kids being mean to one kid.
You can go and stand with the kid being bullied, you can tell the group of kids to stop, you can get an adult's help to stop the group of kids from being mean, you can help the one kid walk away together.
Your parents gave you a new rule that you don't agree with. How do you tell them, and advocate for yourself?
"Can you help me understand why you made this new rule?"
"I don't agree with this new rule."
"Can we talk about this more? I want to share my perspective"
What communication style is best when self-advocating? Aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, or assertive?
Assertive
What is self-advocacy?
A) The process of yelling at people that are not helping you
B) The process of speaking up for oneself to address needs in a situation
C) The process of walking away from people that won't help
D) The process of getting angry because you are not being helped
B) The process of speaking up for oneself to address needs in a situation
True or False?
I should yell and scream until someone helps me with what I need?
False.
You are in school, and one of the other kids comes up to you and says that they noticed that you made a mistake while doing your work. They offer to teach you. You should...
A) Yell at them, because you know what you're doing?
B) Tell on them because they aren't doing their own work right now?
C) Thank them, and accept their help.
C) Thank them, and accept their help.
It's not always easy to admit when we've made a mistake, and accept help from others when we haven't asked.
You are in class and not able to focus. You know you need a break. Identify what you need in this situation to take a good break. How do you self-advocate?
Ask to use the restroom
Ask to take a walk
Ask to eat a snack
Ask for a break
Speak with your teacher or counselor in private about how you can take a break to get what you need in a non-distracting way (like showing a card to her that signals you need a break, or having fidgets in class)
How do I treat others with respect when self-advocating to get what I need?
Using a calm but firm voice, staying calm, taking a moment if I need to calm down before speaking
When is a time that you would need to advocate for yourself?
when someone is being mean, when your needs are not being met, when you are in an uncomfortable situation
What is something you can say to ask for help from someone in your circle of support?
I felt disrespected when that kid said I was stupid. Can you help me tell him to stop?
You are at a birthday party with friends and family. Some kids are saying mean things to your sister and she is getting sad and upset.
What is the problem?
What can you do?
The problem is that your sister is being bullied and it is making her feel bad.
You can go stand with her so she is not alone, you can assertively tell the other kids to stop, you can get an adult's help
BONUS (100 points): What would you say to the other kids and to your sister in that situation?
Role play what you would say to someone who insulted you, when you are feeling angry. How would you advocate for yourself?
Walk away and take time to yourself
don't engage
tell them to stop firmly and calmly
Ask them to clarify what they mean by that or what they are hoping to accomplish, in a calm voice
get more help if they are repeatedly harassing you