To speak up for yourself, it's important to know yourself and how to share your needs, ideas, and feelings with those around you. It's also helpful to know problem-solving steps and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Important Terms
Self-Advocacy is:
Speaking up for yourself.
Asking for what you need.
Negotiating for yourself.
Knowing your rights and responsibilities.
Using the resources that are available to you.
Inclusion is: People with disabilities participating in all aspects of community.
“People with disabilities are welcome and fully included in valued roles wherever they go, whether a school, workplace, volunteer group, home, or any other part of the community.”
-- Institute for Community Inclusion
Self-Determination is:
Freedom to make your own life decisions.
Authority to decide how you spend your money.
Support to reach your goals.
Responsibility to give back to the community.
Confirmation that self-advocates lead the way.