Self-Advocacy
Speaking up for yourself and asking for what you need.
What is Self-Advocacy?
You are in a loud room, and the background noise is making you feel very anxious and unable to focus. What can you do?
Ask if you can move to a quieter area.
Wear noise-canceling headphones
Step out for a break
What are the 3 keys to self-advocacy?
Know yourself
Know what you need to be successful
Know how to get what you need
Know your rights
Name 3 community helpers.
Fire fighter, Police officer, Doctor, Nurse, 911 Operator, Teacher, School faculty
An aggressive person intimidates others, T/F?
What is True
The three key things you must know about yourself before you can advocate effectively.
What are your strengths, weaknesses, and needs?
You are sitting in the back of a large classroom and cannot read what is on the presentation screen.
Politely ask the teacher for a seat closer to the fron.
What are some good tips for being a good self-advocate?
Learn about your strengths, weaknesses, and learning needs/preferences
Know what accommodations you need and why you need them
know how to communicate your needs to the proper people
Be willing to ask questions when you need clarification
When on the phone with 911, is it ok to say "I don't know" to their questions?
Yes!
An assertive person interrupt during conversations. T/F?
What is False
When two people make a choice to settle a dispute by each side giving a little bit to agree on a solution.
What is a compromise?
Your teacher hands out an assignment, but you feel completely overwhelmed and do not know how to start the first problem.
Raise your hand calmly and tell the teacher you are struggling and ask if they can explain the first problem.
What are some examples of self-advocacy?
Asking your teacher for accommodations
Explaining your learning differences to others
Setting goals for yourself and following through with them
Asserting your legal rights when they are denied
Introducing yourself to others
Who is a community helper that we talk to but rarely see if at all in person?
911 Operator
A passive person is afraid to speak up for themselves.T/F?
What is True
The people around you whom you can ask for help or rely on for input, feedback or support.
What is an ally or supportive co-worker?
Your boss schedules you to work during a time when you have a scheduled class, but you do not want to lose your job.
Talk calmly to your boss, show them your class schedule, ask if your shift can be changed .... advocate for yourself!
Part of Self Advocacy is understanding your strengths and ________
What are weaknesses
When going to the doctor, who is someone that can help you advocate for yourself?
Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, Job coach, Advocate
This type of communication uses"You"statements.
What is Aggressive
True or False: Being passive means you are afraid to speak up for yourself?
True!
You witness someone being inappropriate or bullying another individual, what good options should you consider doing for the person being bullied or mistreated?
Advocate for them in a way that allows them to feel protected or vouched for.
Depends on circumstances: contact authorities or decision maker
Can you be a self advocate and still ask for help?
Yes!
If you are on the phone with 911 operator, when should you hang up the phone?
Once emergency responders have arrived.
This type of communication uses"I" statements.
What is Assertive Communication