By Shannin Prather
April 2017 | 2017 Spring Newsletter
Self-advocacy is the act of communicating your needs, making your own decisions, and educating yourself about resources available to you. The process involves learning about support options available to you, knowing your rights and responsibilities, problem solving, listening, reaching out to others for help and friendship, and learning about self-determination. The key component of self-advocacy is communicating your needs, however you can.
Dealing with a disability is challenging. While doctors, counselors, and care providers may help you succeed, you are the best person to determine your own needs. Communicating your needs to others is a necessary skill that can be developed to increase your well-being and quality of life.
Whether you’ve got the words to express yourself, or rely on others to interpret your needs, tools are available to help you advocate for your needs. Communication can be formal – such as meeting with a local lawmaker; or informal – telling your care provider that you’re tired of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Self-advocacy is simply asserting yourself. As you learn to express your needs and preferences, you will gain confidence and build your communication skills.
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) offers a list of resources for self-advocates: scdd.ca.gov/selfadvocacy/. Learn about additional resources available to you—call Sourcewise Community Resource Specialists: (408) 350-3200, option 1.