Self-Advocacy Basics
What does self-advocacy mean?
Speaking up for yourself, your needs, wants, rights, ideas, and choices.
Name something you're good at.
No wrong answer (Free 100 points)
If you don't understand something, what can you say?
"Can you explain that again?"
True or false: Independent people never ask for help.
FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE!!!!!!!!!
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Being independent does NOT mean doing everything alone.
What does independence mean?
Doing as much as you can for yourself, making choices and taking responsibility, while getting support when you need it.
True or false: Self-advocacy means always getting what you want.
FALSE!
You can speak up for yourself and still hear "no." Self-advocacy is about communicating and being heard, not always getting your way.
Why is knowing your strengths part of self-advocacy?
Knowing what you're good at helps you explain what you can do and where you may need support.
Your instructor gives you directions, but they're too fast. What could you say?
"Could you slow down and go over that again?"
You're at work and don't know how to complete a task. What should you do?
Ask a supervisor or coworker for clarification or help.
Name one thing you do independently.
YES
Name one thing you can advocate for.
Is it okay to know that something is difficult for you?
Knowing what you struggle with isn't a weakness. It helps you figure out what support or strategies work for you.
What ways do you communicate?
No wrong answer (Free 300 points)
Give an example of a good way to ask for help.
YES
True or false: To be independent, you have to do absolutely everything by yourself.
Someone might live independently and still need help with transportation, finances, appointments, or other things.
Who can be a self-advocate?
EVERYONE
You learn better when someone shows you how to do something instead of giving you written instructions. What could you say?
"Could you show me how to do it?"
or
"I learn better when someone demonstrates it."
Someone is making a decision about you that you don't agree with. What should you do?
Calmly explain your thoughts, ask questions and make sure your opinion is heard.
True or False: Asking for help is apart of life
TRUE
How can other people see you as being responsible and independent?
What's the difference between being rude and advocating for yourself?
Self-advocacy means communicating what you need respectfully and clearly.
Example:
Instead of: "I'm not doing this!"
Try: "I'm having trouble understanding this. Could you explain it another way?"
Name three things a every self-advocate should know about themselves.
What are three things that can make communication more effective?
Before asking someone to completely do something for you, what could you try?
Asking for help can actually be part of independence.
How are self-advocacy and independence connected?
Self-advocacy helps you become more independent because you learn to make choices, communicate what you need, solve problems and take responsibility for your life.
Being independent doesn't mean you never need help. It means you are an active part of your own life. You make choices, communicate what you need, take responsibility and know when to ask for support.