It's the law!
True or false: Disability rights laws allow people with qualifying disabilities to get anything they want.
False - Disability rights provide equal access and protections, not everything a person wants.
A student doesn't understand what their teacher is asking them to do. They decide to stay quiet and guess what the instructions were so they won't have to ask the teacher any questions. Is this an example of self-advocacy?
No - Self-advocacy means speaking up when you need clarification or support instead of silently struggling.
Kamala Khan is filling out an online application for a job. Some of the questions are worded in a way that is confusing and she does not want to fill out the application incorrectly. What should she do?
She should ask for clarification before submitting the application. For example, contact the employer and ask them to explain the confusing questions so she can complete the application accurately.
Matt Murdock is diagnosed as blind. He navigates independently to a restaurant. He tells the restaurant staff he prefers to sit near a window so he can hear the outdoors.
Is sitting near the window a want or a need?
Want - sitting near the window is his personal preference, not something he needs to safely access the restaurant.
The ability to perform a task or participate in an activity without another person’s assistance is called what?
Independence
True or false: Disability is legally defined as a condition that completely takes away a person's mental or physical abilities.
False - Disability is defined by substantial impairment or limits in abilities.
Limits on abilities do not equal inability!
Miles Morales is unable to hear his teacher's instructions because the students next to him are speaking too loudly. He asks them to please quiet down. Is this an example of self-advocacy?
Yes - Miles recognized a barrier that was preventing him from accessing the instructions and respectfully spoke up to address it.
Charles Xavier uses a wheelchair. He arrives at his job interview site and discovers that building has steps to get to the front entrance and there is no ramp. What should he do?
He should speak up about the accessibility barrier and ask the employer what accessible option is available, rather than simply leaving or trying to find a way to manage the steps himself.
Kamala Khan walks up to the counter at a fast food restaurant that's he frequently visits to order herself a meal. She begins to stutter as she struggles to find the words to speak her order. The employee who has seen her many times finishes her sentence. Kamala appreciates that the employee knows her order well, but she still prefers the opportunity to speak for herself. What could she say to the employee in order to best advocate for herself?
She could say something like, “Thank you for helping me place my order. Even though I sometimes stutter when I speak, I prefer when people are patient with me and allow me time to finish what I plan to say. Please be patient with me so I can speak for myself in the future."
A student knows what makes a task difficult, understands what support helps, and communicates that need to others. What skill are they demonstrating? Hint: "Self-_______"
Self-advocacy
True or false: Disability rights laws are intended to give people with disabilities the same opportunities and access as people without disabilities.
True - disability rights laws protect equal access and opportunity.
A student with an IEP understands what they are being taught and is able to express their ideas verbally, but they struggle to gather their ideas when writing. Their teacher lets them turn in an assignment by summarizing it verbally instead of typing a paper. True or false: This is an example of a reasonable accommodation.
True - if the student is still demonstrating the same knowledge or learning goal, allowing them to give a verbal response instead of writing is an accommodation because it changes how they demonstrate what they know, not what they are expected to know.
Charles Xavier decides to use his arms to pull himself in his wheelchair up the front steps of a building that did not have a ramp. He decided this was a better option than telling the organization that their building was inaccessible to him. What problems could this create?
He could injure himself, damage his wheelchair, or still be unable to safely enter the building. Speaking up about the accessibility barrier would allow the organization to address the problem and make it accessible to other people.
Matt Murdock is waiting at a busy train station. A stranger sees that Matt is blind and immediately grabs his arm to guide him. Matt doesn't want assistance. What should Matt do?
He can politely explain that he does not need assistance. He can take things a step further by telling the employee that for the future, he should consider asking people if they want his help before assisting them.
The ability to *access* and participate in something despite a disability or other barrier is called what?
Accessibility
True or false: Having a disability automatically means a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
False - Having a qualifying disability is one part of having an IEP, but not the whole picture. The need for (and right to have) IEP is based on a student’s individual needs.
At an IEP meeting, whose input is especially important when deciding what supports and goals a student needs?
The student’s input is very important because the student knows their own strengths, challenges, preferences, and what supports work for them. Parents, caregivers, and other members of the students support system who know the student well can also provide valuable input and help advocate for the student’s needs.
Describe your ideal work environment.
- What does it look like and sound like?
- How many people are around you and why is that ideal?
- What kind of work would you be doing?
3 students share personal experience
BONUS - What is something you can do that helps you to stay calm no matter where you are? For example, do you have a preferred fidget toy or activity?
Student shares personal experience
Each person's support system is key in their ability to thrive. Provide at least two examples of people who are part of your support system.
Examples: Parents, siblings, friends, family, teachers, coaches, paraprofessionals, and many more!
How would you define equal access?
Equal access may require different supports to provide the same opportunity.
For example, students enter a building to take a test. Different students may need different tools—like a ramp, extra time, or a computer—so they have the same fair chance to participate.
Claire Temple has an IEP that allows her to leave the classroom and speak with the school social worker when she feels anxious. She is feeling anxious during class, but she doesn't want her classmates to know why she is leaving. What could Claire do to advocate for her needs while protecting her privacy?
She can use the agreed-upon IEP procedure to leave and speak with the school social worker without sharing personal information with her classmates.
(For example, perhaps her IEP specified that she can write her teacher a note.)
Jessica Jones has a job coach who helps her stay focused on her work. Her accommodation allows her to take a quick break to speak with her coach whenever she feels overwhelmed. A coworker complains and says, "It's not fair that Jessica gets so many extra breaks." What is the best way for Jessica to handle this situation?
Jessica can explain to her coworker (or remind her supervisor) that accommodations are not about being "fair" or getting extra perks—they are tools that create equal access so she can do her job successfully. She can politely state that her breaks are part of an approved employment plan to help her do her best work.
BONUS - Share a personal of when you advocated for yourself in public. What happened and what was the result of your self advocacy? (Think about wants, needs, and rights!)
At least one person share personal story
The term "ability" describes what we are able to do. For 500 points, name something you are able to do that makes you proud.
No wrong answers!