Self Advocacy

Understanding a diagnosis is the key to learning to thrive.  Self advocacy takes an understanding of the individual, the diagnosis, and melds it with the desire to choose one’s own destiny.

Attention Students: Lead your own IEP meetings and take charge of your future

If you are a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), read this article to find out how you can be a leader on your IEP team. Your future is counting on you!

Be Your Own Best Advocate

What does it mean to advocate for yourself? Being your own advocate means that you ask for what you need while respecting the needs of others. For example, if you are at a store and a clerk ignores you, you are able to ask in a polite way to be served. Self-advocacy is asking for what you need in a direct, respectful manner. This handout gives some tips on how to best advocate for yourself.

Chart Your Own Future

What will you do after high school? Where will you work, go to school, or live? What kind of life do you want? Your transition Individualized Education Program (IEP) can help you answer these questions, and help you live your life to the fullest.

Sample Self-Advocacy Plan

A simple fill-out chart that can help you organize your thoughts before an IEP meeting.

What is Self-Determination and Why is it Important?

This is part of a multi-media product consisting of a print-based, 16-page full-color publication and an accompanying web-presence that elaborates on stories and themes introduced in the print publication.