Self-Advocacy

Promoting voice, choice, and autonomy

Goal

Support learners in self-advocating across different situations.

How

Consider what an individual learner may need to self advocate for throughout their day. This could relate to their preferences, academics, social relationships, emotional regulation skills, and more. Then, choose a teaching strategy to proactively teach the learner how and when to request what they need to be successful. Honor and validate all attempts of self-advocacy by all learners.

Context

Self-advocacy looks different by age but is important for all learners. Examples:

• Academic – Asking for help or accommodations
• Social – Saying “Stop” or expressing preferences
• Emotional – Asking for a break or coping support

Tip

For learners who are frequently bullied, try placing a visual of ways they can self-advocate in those moments inside their binder or somewhere they can easily and discreetly access.

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