It is never too early to start teaching your child how he or she can
advocate for himself or herself. Like many
other important life skills, self-advocacy is a critical tool your child
needs in order to achieve goals, increase
self-sufficiency, and become a successful young adult. It is a life long
process that begins with your child learning
by watching you, as a parent, be a good advocate.
What exactly does self-advocacy mean?
It means taking the responsibility for communicating one’s needs and
desires in a straightforward manner to
others. It is a set of skills that includes.
• Speaking up for yourself.
• Communicating your strengths, needs and wishes.
• Being able to listen to the opinions of others, even when their
opinions differ from yours.
• Having a sense of self-respect.
• Taking responsibility for yourself.
• Knowing your rights.
• Knowing where to get help or who to go to with a question.
One of the best places to start teaching your child about self-advocacy
is in his or her Individualized Education.
opportunity to learn and practice important life skills. Some
advantages your child may gain by being involved.
• Learning about the impact of his or her disability.
• Practicing goal setting.
• Building teamwork skills.
• Developing an ability to speak up for himself or herself.
• Participating in a process of resolving differences.
• Gaining an understanding of his/her strengths and needs.
• Learning how to ask for and accept help from others.
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