Self-Advocacy Training

1. Self-Advocacy Training

2. WHAT IS SELF-ADVOCACY? • Self-Advocacy is …………. • Speaking out for yourself • Acting on your own behalf • Making choices and decisions

3. Self-Advocates: • Know their rights • Are good listeners • Question what they don’t understand • Ask “Why not” when told “No” • Ask to talk to supervisors • Take notes and keep records • Make phone calls and write letters • File appeals and complaints • Ask for help when needed • Share knowledge with others

4. Self-Advocacy Steps…. • 1. Know what you want • 2. Make a plan to get what you want • 3. Be organized and assertive • 4. If “No” is the answer…ask “Why Not?” • 5. Try to resolve things informally • 6. Use complaint and appeal procedures as necessary

5. YOUR RIGHTS • The right to live in the least restrictive setting

6. The right to a program of public education regardless of the degree of disability • The right to dignity, privacy, and humane care in the most natural community setting

7. The right to prompt medical care and treatment • The right to religious freedom and practice • The right to see visitors each day

8. The right to wear your own clothes, to keep toilet articles, and to keep and be allowed to spend a reasonable sum of your own money for canteen expenses and small purchases

9. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: --have access to telephones, both to make and receive confidential calls --have access to individual storage space for your private use --have ready access to letter-writing materials including stamps and to mail and receive unopened correspondence

10. Your Rights Include: --Physical exercise and recreational opportunities --Social interaction and participation in community activities

11. SELF-ADVOCACY IS GREAT!