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EQUIP FOR EQUALITY

Advocate for Yourself!

Training Institute on Disability Rights

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Self-Advocacy

What is it?– 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?

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Kinds of Self-Advocacy

Individual– Results that help one person

Systemic– Advocacy efforts that help many people

through a change in the system, a new lawor a better policy

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Individual Self-Advocacy

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.

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Systemic Advocacy

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.

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Why Self-Advocacy Is Important

Make sure your needs are met Make sure your rights are protected Power in numbers!

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Steps to Follow to Be a Self-Advocate

1. Understand that you are important2. Decide what needs to be changed3. Choose a goal4. Do the most important thing first5. Get information6. Make a plan of action7. Look back

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How to Self-Advocate

Understand that you are important– You are a lawmaker!– You are a voter!– You are a PERSON!

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How to Self-Advocate

Understand that you are important– Share something about

yourself that’s unique about you.

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How to Self-Advocate

Decide what needs to be changed– What have you been having problems with?– Is there something that you want to improve in

your life?

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How to Self-Advocate

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?

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How to Self-Advocate

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

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How to Self-Advocate

Get information– What do you know about your issue?– Do you have all of the facts?– Where can you find information?

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How to Self-Advocate

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?

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How to Self-Advocate

Look back– Helps you stay motivated– Helps you improve– You will see how much you have accomplished!

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Self-Advocacy

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QUESTIONS