The Power of Self-Advocacy

What does self-advocacy mean?

• Wearing a superhero cape

• Expressing your needs, knowing your preferences, and respecting yourself

• Keeping your thoughts to yourself

• Following others without question

Why is it important to express your needs?

• It's not important

• To have your own superhero cape

• Because teachers like it

• So others can understand and support you

What does "knowing your preferences" mean?

• Liking everyone's preferences

• Understanding what helps you learn and feel comfortable

• Ignoring your own preferences

• Wearing a superhero cape

How can you practice self-advocacy in social situations?

• By being quiet and not expressing your needs

• By communicating your preferences to friends

• By avoiding friends

• By not setting any goals

What is the first step in being a self-advocate?

• Using your words

• Asking for help

• Knowing yourself

• Setting goals

When should you ask for help?

• Never

• Only when you're perfect

• When you need it

• When others ask you

How can you be respectful when sharing your thoughts?

• Be rude

• Listen to different perspectives with an open mind

• Ignore others' opinions

• Keep your thoughts to yourself

What is a part of being a self-advocate in the classroom?

• Being quiet and not raising your hand

• Asking for help when you need clarification

• Ignoring assignments

• Not setting any goals

What should you do if you're feeling overwhelmed during breaks?

• Keep it to yourself

• Talk to a trusted friend or adult about your feelings

• Ignore your feelings

• Avoid breaks

What is a key message about self-advocacy?

• Your voice doesn't matter

• Self-advocacy is a skill that weakens with practice

• You're alone in this

• Your voice matters, and self-advocacy gets stronger with practice