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The Power of Self Advocacy

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For students and their parents

Initial thoughts on the future direction for IDA

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Topics

  • What is Self Advocacy?�
  • Why is it Important?�
  • How to Self Advocate?

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  • The YES! (Youth Examples of Self Advocacy) Program�

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What is Self Advocacy?

  • Student’s ability to know what they need and how to communicate it effectively

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  • A Lifetime Skill that must be taught, encouraged and nurtured in school and home

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  • An ability that empowers students and prepares them for their future

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Summary: Self Advocacy is

  • Knowing your strengths and challenges
  • Knowing your rights and responsibilities
  • Explaining them to other people

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  • Speaking up for yourself, especially to teachers
  • Finding people who can help you
  • Knowing how to get the information you need

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  • Making your own decisions about your own life
  • Solving problems (academic, social, etc.)
  • Listening and learning

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Summary: How to Self Advocate?

  • Know your
      • Strengths and challenges
      • Test results (academic, psychological, etc)
      • IEP/504/academic support
      • Rights
    • Be able to talk about them to others
    • Find and work with strategic allies

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Beyond Self Advocacy

  • Educate teachers and school staff about dyslexia
  • Promote dyslexia awareness in your community
  • Advocate for others
  • Mentor someone

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The YES! Program

The purpose of YES! is to train students with learning differences to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, to help them build confidence and to provide them with the tools to become strong self-advocates.

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The YES! Program

  • YES! Ambassadors
  • Fall 2022 Rollout
  • Quarterly Events
  • Interested? Nicole.mccarthy@comcast.net