Knowing Yourself
This term refers to the things you are good at and the areas where you might need a little extra help.
What are strengths and weaknesses?
This communication style involves standing up for your rights while still being respectful of others.
What is assertive communication?
This landmark 1990 law protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in the U.S.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
This is the first step in solving a problem: recognizing that one exists.
What is identifying the problem?
This is the ability to make choices and manage your own life without being controlled by others.
What is self-determination?
To advocate for yourself, you must first understand this—the specific challenge or condition that affects how you learn or work.
What is your disability (or diagnosis)?
This type of "statement" starts with how you feel rather than blaming the other person (e.g., "I feel frustrated when...").
What is an "I" statement?
These are changes made to a task or environment to help a person with a disability succeed.
What are accommodations?
This is a technique where you come up with as many solutions as possible without judging them yet.
What is brainstorming?
These are specific, measurable things you want to achieve in the short or long term.
What are goals?
These are the things that are most important to you in life, which help guide your decisions and goals.
What are personal values?
It isn't just about talking; this skill involves paying full attention to the speaker and showing you understand.
What is active listening?
This is the act of choosing to tell someone about your disability or private information.
What is disclosure?
This is a person who supports you and speaks up with you, but doesn't take over for you.
What is an ally (or advocate)?
If you feel your rights have been violated, this is the formal process of making a complaint.
What is a grievance (or filing an appeal)?
This is the act of thinking about your own thoughts, feelings, and actions to understand yourself better.
What is self-reflection?
This refers to the messages you send without words, such as eye contact, posture, and facial expressions.
What is non-verbal communication (or body language)?
In an IEP or 504 meeting, this person is the most important member of the team.
Who is the student (or the individual with the disability)?
When two people disagree, they may use this process to reach an agreement where both sides give a little.
What is compromise (or negotiation)?
This "P" word means sticking with a task and not giving up, even when it gets difficult.
What is perseverance?
Knowing these "limits" helps you tell others what you are and are not comfortable with in a relationship or workplace.
What are boundaries?
When you don't understand a direction, you should ask for this to make sure you have the right information.
What is clarification?
This term means being answerable for your own actions and the choices you make.
What is accountability?
This is the "back-up" plan you create in case your first solution doesn't work.
What is a contingency plan?
This is the term for a group of people who provide you with emotional and practical help.
What is a support network?