What can You as the Parent do to Teach Self Advocacy?
- Figure out what your child is good at and what they need help with.
- Make a list of people and programs that help support them.
- Learn about laws or policies that support their needs.
- Learn about their disability and how it affects them.
- Role play with your child (maybe include a friend or teacher) to practice skills.
- Set up real-life experiences as often as you can, during which your child can communicate their needs and wants.
- Encourage your child to go to or lead their IEP and other meetings and to share their idea, dreams, and concerns.
FAST FACT:
There are many ways for children to share information. Young people with significant disabilities can be good self-advocates. They can communicate verbally or in writing. They can use technology, like speech-to-text software. They can use Braille, sign language, pictures, photos, letterboards. They can use body language like head nods, smiles, or grimaces.
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