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.
When is it a good time to be a self-advocate?
A) Always B) Never
C) Only if I have a D) Only if I have an illness
Disability
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 in trouble 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.
Is it important to ask questions when learning about self advocacy?
Always!!
What is a goal?
Something you want to work towards.
Is choosing something to eat an act of self-advocacy?
Yes!
You don't know where to go next for your District Office deliveries on Friday.
What is the problem?
What can you do?
The problem is that you are unsure of where to go.
You can check with your teacher or aide. Ask "Who are we delivering to next?" or "Which way should I go next?" Waiting around doing nothing is not the right answer - why?
What is a circle of support?
The people around me who I can ask for help for my needs.
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 want to join the drama club, but you don't know who the teacher advisor is or where the club meets. What can you do?
Ask another teacher or the main office how you can find out this information.
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 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?
Can you please help me with this?
You are confused about how your checks/payments work for your new job. What can you do?
Ask your boss to explain. Ask a parent or family member to help guide you.
BONUS (100 points): What would you say to your boss about this? How would you explain what you are struggling with?