Being a self-advocate means understanding what you need and feeling comfortable speaking up about it. At school, self-advocacy can help youth take a more active role in their education and make sure their voices are heard. This might include asking questions, sharing concerns, or explaining what helps them learn best.
Self-Advocacy Introduction
Asking for support does not mean that you cannot do something on your own. Everyone learns differently, and some youth may need accommodations, extra explanations, assistive technology, or other types of support to succeed. Learning how to explain your needs to teachers, counselors, and other trusted adults can help make school feel more manageable and give you a stronger voice in decisions about your education.
A helpful video for learning more is “Self-Advocacy Introduction” from the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre. The video was created for students from grades 5–10, and focuses on students with disabilities such as learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism. It gives a great explanation of what self-advocacy means and can help youth begin thinking about how to speak up for the support they need at school.
You can watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4r5j44JR2M
I'm Determined
Self-advocacy can start with small steps. You might tell a teacher when instructions are unclear, ask to use a support that helps you learn, prepare questions before a meeting, or talk with someone you trust about a challenge you are having. The more you practice explaining your strengths, needs, and goals, the easier it can become to take part in conversations about your education.
The I’m Determined website provides resources designed to help youth—especially youth with disabilities—build self-advocacy and self-determination skills. Its youth section includes tools for identifying your strengths and needs, setting goals, participating in your IEP, and becoming more involved in decisions that affect you. Also worth checking out are I'm Determined's Preparing for My IEP resources, as well as their Student Involvement in the IEP Process video series.
Learn more about I'm Determined's guide on self-determination here: https://www.imdetermined.org/tool/transition-guide-self-determination/
Preparing For My IEP: https://imdetermined.org/tool/preparing-for-my-iep/
Student Involvement in the IEP Process: https://www.imdetermined.org/tool/student-involvement-in-the-iep-modules/
Have you ever asked for help at school? If so, how did you do it? Let us know and share your thoughts in the comments below
The SPAN Youth Chat
On October 7th, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a Youth Chat exploring how Halloween can inspire creativity and self-expression! From designing costumes to inventing characters and telling stories, we’ll explore how your interests and imagination can inspire something new.
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Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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