Self-Advocacy
What is Self-Advocacy?
Speaking up for yourself and your needs.
Why is Self-Advocacy important?
It helps make sure your needs are being met and can also help build self-esteem and confidence.
List someone in your circle of support
Answers will vary (family, doctor, social worker, etc.)
Bringing written questions to appointments helps improve this.
Communication and understanding of care
Whose nose grew longer every time he lied?
Pinocchio
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
If you are confused about something, how can you advocate for yourself?
Ask questions in a kind, respectful manner
Asking “Are there other options?” shows this type of participation in care.
What is shared decision-making?
What is the name of Harry Potter’s pet owl?
Hedwig.
True or False: You should only ask for help for big problems.
False (you can ask for help whenever you need it).
What is a goal?
Something you want to work towards.
Is choosing something to eat an act of self-advocacy?
Yes! Being involved in the choices that impact your daily life is part of self-advocacy.
These groups are made up of people with lived experience of mental illness.
What are peer support groups?
What do pandas eat?
Bamboo.
What is a circle of support?
A group of people who help someone reach their goals, stay safe, and live as independently as possible.
What is self-advocacy?
A) The process of yelling at people that are not helping you
B) The process of speaking up for yourself when your needs are not being met
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 yourself when your needs are not being met.
True or False?
I should yell and scream until someone helps me with what I need?
False.
You aren't feeling well and need to leave group. How can you advocate for yourself?
Let a leader or staff member know what's going on.
Name the smallest breed of dog.
Chihuahua
True or False?
I should treat others with respect when self-advocating?
True.
When is a time that you would need to advocate for yourself?
When you are unhappy, unsafe, or confused. Examples include asking for help, saying "no" to a friend who is being mean, or asking for a turn to speak.
What is something you can say to ask for help from someone in your circle of support?
You are confused about how your checks/payments work for your new job. What can you do?
Ask your boss to explain. Ask someone in your circle of support to help guide you.
Name the coldest place in the world.
Antarctica