Self-Advocacy
Know Yourself!
Know what you need. Know how to get it.
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. It requires knowledge of your personal strengths and challenges, understanding of rights as a citizen, and acting in an assertive manner to make your needs known to others. During this self-guided program, you will explore concepts to help you become a better self-advocate and discover your potential.
Did you know? Teens with self-advocacy skills have a more positive self-image, greater social connections, more leadership qualities, and enhanced planning and problem solving abilities.
Self-AdvocacyThings to Do
Self-Advocacy Training
Some things take practice. Why not take some time to really think about the things you are good at, your goals, and your future.
Get to Know Your Strengths
Write down some ideas. Talk to people around you.
Go to your IEP meetings.
The annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Think about and share your goals and wishes for the future. If you don't have an IEP, talk to your school counselor or trusted adult.
Try New Things
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Take a new class. Visit someplace new and get to know new people that share your interests. By doing new things, you may find an interest you never thought you had. This could lead to an exciting job in the future. This is all part of getting to know yourself better.
Here are some more ideas for getting involved in your community!
Before StartingThings to Ask
What Am I Good At?
What do other people say that you are good at? What do you do that makes you feel good?
Who Can Help Me?
Becoming an adult can be a little scary. Think about who you know and trust who can help you on your quest to explore your future.
Do you know your rights?
As you approach age 18 and becoming an adult your legal rights change.
Learn more about new rights like being able to vote, get married, and much more. But, you also need to think about where you will live, who you will live with, how you will spend your time, and if you will need support.