Understanding Self-Advocacy
What is self-advocacy?
Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself and express your needs, rights, and preferences in different situations.
What does ADA Stand for?
Americans with Disabilities Act
Who is someone that can be a part of your support system
Family, Friends, Teachers, Counselor, Supervisors
What is an accommodation for someone who has trouble focusing?
A fidget, noise canceling headphones, breaking down tasks into smaller parts
Someone has a physical disability or injury that makes it difficult to stand all day. How can they self-advocate?
Ask for a chair, breaks to sit down or a mat to stand on (Anti-fatigue Matting)
True or False: Self-Advocacy is about speaking up at big meetings.
False self-advocacy is about speaking up everyday to get the support you need.
True or False: You can be fired for asking for an accommodation at work.
False. It is illegal to fire someone for requesting a reasonable accommodation for their disability under the ADA.
True or False a friend or peer can be a person of support for self-advocacy?
True
What is an accommodation for someone who is easily overstimulated?
noise canceling headphones, working in another environment alone.
Someone has a disability that causes them to become fatigue/sleepy
Can ask for a modified/flexible work schedule
Why is self-advocacy important?
It allows you to receive support and/or accommodations to be successful
Who do you have to disclose your disability to in the workplace?
No one, it is not required to disclose your disability. It is recommended to disclose if you need an accommodation
Who should you talk to at work to get an accommodation.
Your Supervisor, Human Resources (HR), the hiring manager.
What is an accommodation for someone who has trouble remember tasks?
Having a written list of tasks and instruction.
Someone is becoming overwhelmed/overstimulated
They can ask to take a break, get some water and/or step outside
True or False: Self-advocacy is only important for people with disabilities.
Self-advocacy is important for everyone to communicate their needs and rights.
What document is used to track your goals and need for support?
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
True or False: You should only rely on yourself when advocating for your needs.
False: you can and should ask people in your support system to help advocate for you.
What is an accommodation for someone who is unable to work alone?
A job coach
Someone is struggling to understand/follow verbal instructions.
Ask for instructions to be repeated, written down and/or ask for visual aids
What is an example of self-advocacy?
Asking for help, asking for extra time, setting boundaries and saying no
What can you do if you are being discriminated against in the workplace
Go to your case manager (Helena), Climb staff, Human resources (HR)
Who can you go to for support in the Level-Up program
Helena Talarczyk
What is an accommodation for someone who has trouble with time management?
A timer, extra time, verbal cues/reminders
Someone who is prone to migraines
Alternate lighting