Practicing self advocacy skills

Practicing self-advocacy involves building skills step by step in real-life situations. Here’s a practical guide to help you develop and strengthen your self-advocacy abilities:

1. Start Small

Begin by advocating for yourself in low-pressure situations, like asking for something specific at a shop or restaurant.

Example: “Could I have the sauce on the side, please?”

Practice expressing your needs to family or friends.

Example: “I’d like some quiet time right now.”

2. Know Your Needs and Rights

Write a list of what you need help with and what adjustments would make things easier for you.

Example: If you struggle with sensory overload, you might request a quieter workspace.

Learn about your legal rights (e.g., disability accommodations under the Disability Discrimination Act).

3. Practice Communication Skills

Use “I” statements to express your needs:

Example: “I feel overwhelmed when the lights are too bright. Can we dim them?”

Role-play situations with someone you trust. For example, practice explaining your needs to a teacher, employer, or support worker.

Try writing scripts for situations you find challenging, like asking for help or explaining your condition.

4. Build Confidence

Set small, achievable goals, such as speaking up in a group discussion or asking for clarification when you don’t understand something.

Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they seem.

Example: If you successfully asked for a break at work, take pride in that step.

5. Use Tools and Supports

Prepare Before Conversations:

Write down what you want to say and bring notes to guide you.

Example: For an NDIS meeting, list your goals and the supports you want.

Use Visual Aids:

Carry a card or note explaining your needs if speaking is difficult.

Example: “I have sensory sensitivities and may need a quiet space.”

Bring a Support Person:

Ask someone to come with you for moral support, such as a trusted friend or advocate.

6. Join Advocacy Groups

Connect with advocacy groups for people with disabilities or neurodivergent communities.

Example: Autistic advocacy organisations often offer training or workshops in self-advocacy.

7. Reflect and Adjust

After each experience, reflect on what went well and what could improve.

Example: “I explained my needs clearly, but I got nervous when they asked questions. Next time, I’ll prepare answers in advance.”

Use this reflection to tweak your approach.

8. Advocate in Everyday Situations

Advocate for yourself in simple, everyday scenarios to build confidence:

Asking for help finding an item at a store.

Requesting a quiet table at a café.

Scheduling appointments and expressing your preferences.

9. Practice Saying “No”

Practice setting boundaries politely but firmly:

Example: “No, I can’t do that right now. I need some rest.”

An Exercise to Practice Self-Advocacy:

Identify one situation where you want to advocate for yourself (e.g., requesting extra time for a task at work).

Plan what you’ll say using “I” statements.

Practice the conversation with a trusted friend or family member.

Try it in real life.

How did it go?