Self-Advocacy
What is Self-Advocacy?
learning how to speak up for yourself to share your needs, and to achieve your goals; making your own decisions.
What does I.E.P stand for?
Individualized Education Plan/Program
True or False: Communication is important to self-advocacy.
True
What does disclosure mean?
Disclosure means to share information about ourselves.
If you are having a problem at work, who can help you?
boss, supervisor, job coach, co-worker, etc.
Why is self-advocacy important to you?
examples: to reach your goals; its your responsibility after high school; to get help when you need it
What is in your IEP?
An IEP is a document that describes who you are, what your strengths are, and what accommodations your school provides you.
True or False: I don't need to tell my boss about my disability to get accommodations. They will know what supports I need even if I don't tell them
False! Communicating with your employer about your disability is an important part of getting accommodations.
What is an accommodation?
An accommodation is a change that removes a barrier at school or a work.
True or False: I don't need to worry about talking about my disability, my parents can do that for me forever!
False! Our parents might always be an important part of our support network, but as an adult we will have responsibilities and be expected to speak for ourselves sometimes.
What is one way you can practice self-advocacy?
True or False: I can go to my IEP meeting.
What is one thing you should include in your disclosure script?
Positive attributes or strengths, challenges or limitations caused by your disability, accommodations or supports that have worked in the past, whether or not disclosing makes sense for this situation
Do you have to tell an employer about your disability?
No. It's a personal choice.
Who is one person in your support network?
Teachers, Parents, Family, Friends, Counselors, Doctors, Social Workers, Club Leaders, Mentors, Counselors, Therapists, Pre-ETS teachers, etc.
What is a barrier to self-advocacy? Why is it hard?
Not knowing about your disability or the laws; scared of being seen as different; feeling embarrassed; not knowing what accommodations could help; never talking about your disability before
How can I participate in my IEP meeting?
Find out when your next IEP meeting is; ask a parent/guardian/teacher for a copy of your IEP; read your IEP; prepare for the meeting (take notes).
What are some 2 ways we communicate?
Talking, Listening, Writing, Phone calls, emails, texting, Text to Speech software, Body Language, signs/gestures
When can you disclose a disability at work?
Anytime! when you apply, Before an interview, after an interview, after you got the job.
What is a support network?
The people who support your goals, help you overcome challenges, and support you.
How can you overcome barriers to self-advocacy?
learn about your disability and how it affects you; make a list of accommodations that help you in school; learn about disability rights laws
True or False: You will have a IEP after high school
False
What is one person or place you might need to communicate with about your disability, besides work?
College, To Family, To Friends, Clubs or Extracurriculars, Concert or Event Venues, etc.
What law protects people with disabilities from discrimination?
Americans with Disabilities Act
Who are two people at Weymouth who can help answer my questions about work or life after high school?
Life Skills Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, etc.