EQUIP FOR EQUALITY Advocate for Yourself Training Institute

EQUIP FOR EQUALITY Advocate for Yourself! Training Institute on Disability Rights

Self-Advocacy l What is it? – – – l Protect your rights Make sure your needs are met Make sure you are supported in making decisions for yourself When is it time to start self-advocating? 2

Kinds of Self-Advocacy l Individual – l Results that help one person Systemic Advocacy efforts that help many people through a change in the system, a new law or a better policy – 3

Individual Self-Advocacy l Examples – Asking for an interpreter for an important meeting – Bringing someone you trust to your doctor’s appointment, so they can explain anything you don’t understand. 4

Systemic Advocacy l Examples – Asking the hospital, “What is your policy for hiring sign-language interpreters? ” – Talking to your legislature about changing a law so more people with disabilities can get help finding a job. 5

Why Self-Advocacy Is Important l Make sure your needs are met l Make sure your rights are protected l Power in numbers! 6

Steps to Follow to Be a Self-Advocate 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Understand that you are important Decide what needs to be changed Choose a goal Do the most important thing first Get information Make a plan of action Look back 7

How to Self-Advocate l Understand that you are important – You are a lawmaker! – You are a voter! – You are a PERSON! 8

How to Self-Advocate l Understand that you are important Share something about yourself that’s unique about you. – 9

How to Self-Advocate l Decide what needs to be changed – What have you been having problems with? – Is there something that you want to improve in your life? 10

How to Self-Advocate l Define your goal – What is going on now that isn’t working? – What do you need? – What do you want to be able to do that you can’t do now? 11

How to Self-Advocate l Do the Most Important thing first – – – Which issue on your list is most important? Which is second? Third? Helps you decide what you want to do first 12

How to Self-Advocate l Get information – What do you know about your issue? – Do you have all of the facts? – Where can you find information? 13

How to Self-Advocate l Plan of action – What could you do to reach your goal? – What steps can you take? – What is the best plan? – Where can you find support? 14

How to Self-Advocate l Look back – Helps you stay motivated – Helps you improve You will see how much you have accomplished! – 15

Self-Advocacy 16

QUESTIONS 17