This document discusses self-advocacy, which refers to an individual's ability to effectively communicate their own interests, desires, needs, and rights. It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions. The concept of self-advocacy began in the late 1960s when young adults with disabilities began advocating for themselves in planning their lives and support programs. There are three parts to effective self-advocacy: knowing yourself, knowing your needs, and knowing how to get what you need. The document also provides tips on how to practice self-advocacy, such as using "I" statements and understanding power structures.

1. Self-AdvocacyDom Lupisan Yunior HernandezCalifornia State University, NorthridgeApril 12, 2011

2. What is Self-Advocacy?

3. What is Self-Advocacy?Self-advocacy refers to an individual’s ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs, and rights It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions

4. Self-Advocacy Cont’dSelf-advocacy is understanding your strengths and needs, identifying your personal goals, knowing your legal rights and responsibilities, and communicating these to othersSelf-Advocacy is speaking up for oneself. Until recently it was a concept used more for adults with disabilities, but increasingly it is recognized as a tool to speak for our needs

5. History of Self-AdvocacyThe term “self-advocacy” can be traced back in the late 1960’s when young adults with disabilities began speaking out about taking an active role in planning their lives and the programs that supported themThis journey of self-education is an ongoing process, as individual needs change over timeThere are three parts to becoming an effective self-advocate: knowing yourself, knowing your needs, and knowing how to get what you need

6. How Does it Relate to You?The collegial educational journey is an ongoing process, as individual needs change over time Freshman: Transition to a new environmentSophomore: Feeling connected (Do I matter?)Junior: Internships, job opportunitiesSenior: Graduation, new job, graduate school

7. Quote of the Day“The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” – William James (Philosopher, Psychologist)

8. Personal Experiences with Self- AdvocacyDiscuss our experiences in college and life about how we have self-advocated and what results we acquired from doing so

9. Group ActivityBreak into groups of 5Discuss self-advocacyTalk about a time when you self-advocatedTalk about a time when you decided to stay silent and why you decided to take such action

10. How to Practice Self-AdvocacyLanguage use“I” statementsUnderstand power structureKnow what you want