1. Module A Part 4 Self-Advocacy (2)
Managing Myself
Module A Part 4
Self-Advocacy (2)

2. Self-advocacy includes:
Starting, changing, or ending conversations
Sharing feelings, opinions, and experiences with others
Making requests and asking for favors
Refusing others' requests if they are too demanding
Questioning rules or traditions that don't make sense or don't seem fair
Addressing problems or things that bother you
Being firm so that your rights are respected
Expressing positive emotions
Expressing negative emotions
Being assertive

3. To be a good self-advocate you need to learn to be assertive
What is being assertive​?
Being confident and positive in a persistent way​
Begin assertive will help you be a good self-advocate​

4. Activity: Are you passive, assertive or aggressive?

5. Passive, Assertive or Aggressive?
Follow along on your handout "Three Types of Behaviour" as you discuss each type of behaviour with your instructor and the group
Make sure all the participants have the handout "Three Types of Behaviour".  Discuss the characteristics of each type of behaviour. Ask the learners if they can think of people they know that act passively, assertively and aggressively. Discuss the fact that being assertive is the best type of behaviour to be a successful self-advocate.

6. Stand up for themselves Say no if it is inconvenient
Assertive people are
Are open and honest
Stand up for themselves
Say no if it is inconvenient
Explain their actions
Refuse to be bullied
Try not to hurt anyone
Inspire results
Value others
Express their feelings clearly
Source: GO Module #4 page 164

7. Activity: Role Play Behaviours 

8. Questioning Rules and Authority
When do you think it is okay to question rules and the authority of others?
When do you think it isn't okay to question rules and the authority of others?
Have the learners discuss this as a group. There are no right or wrong answers.

9. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Activity:
The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Ask the learners if they have you ever heard this phrase before. Ask them what they think it means. Being a good self advocate means that you are confident to speak up, but in a polite and respectful way. Being a squeaky wheel is being a self-advocate as long as you are respectful.

10. Self-Advocacy at Home
Being assertive at home with family and friends can be one of the most difficult places to do it.
When you care for people and depend on them it makes it more difficult to self-advocate.
You have to remember that you should be treated fairly by the people you live with and care for. This might mean that you have to advocate for yourself at home.

11. Equal treatment
You deserve to be treated the same as other family members and friends when it comes to responsibilities (such as doing chores, sharing, or taking turns) and rewards (such as choosing which movie you'll see with your friends or the right to time on the family computer.)
Respect
Just like everywhere else in your life, you also deserve to be treated with respect. While family members and friends may be casual around each other (that's part of the comfort that comes with friendship), if their actions or behaviors offend you or hurt your feelings, you have the right to tell them and ask them to change those behaviors.
Source:

12. Activity: Practicing Self-Advocacy at Home or in Social Situations

13. Self-Advocacy at Work or School
Equal opportunity
You have the right to equal opportunities at work and at school. No matter what your race, gender, or abilities, the law guarantees you equal access to jobs and an education. You cannot be turned down for a job or be rejected from a school based simply on your physical attributes. You cannot be denied the same opportunities available to others.
Equal rewards
Just as you have the right to the same opportunities, you have the right to the same rewards. If you perform as well as others at work or at school, you deserve the same compensation. This could be in the amount you are paid at work or the grades you get in school.
Source:

14. Activity: Practicing Self-Advocacy at Work or School

15. Self Advocacy and Your Health
You Have the Right to Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to ask a doctor or nurse, about a diagnosis, recommended treatment, or prescribed drug. You may worry that their time is important but so are your time and your health. You have a right to ask and receive a full explanation about anything pertaining to your health.
Source:

16. Get a Second Opinion
Doctors, and nurses are not always right. If you are concerned about a diagnosis or recommended treatment, even after a healthcare professional has explained it to you, it's your right to go see someone else. If the information you're being given could drastically affect your life, don't feel as though you have to rely on one person's word. Healthcare professionals are right more often than they are wrong (otherwise they wouldn't be practicing), but it doesn't hurt to see other professionals for their opinion.
Source: adapted from

17. Refuse treatment and/or seek alternative treatment.
This is often a scary and difficult decision, but if you are a competent adult, you do have the right to refuse medical treatment. You may choose to do so because you have received a different opinion from another expert in the field; you may do so because you are afraid the drawbacks of the treatment will outweigh the benefits or you may do so for other, personal reasons. Deciding to refuse treatment or seek alternative treatments against your healthcare professional's advice can be very risky and should be considered very carefully. If you have doubts about a treatment or diagnosis, even after getting a second opinion, consider doing research, talking to others who have experienced the treatment or diagnosis, and getting even a third or fourth opinion.
Source: adapted from
Add in the story about the chemo refusal - case study?

18. Activity: Practicing Self-Advocacy in Health and Personal Safety Situations

19. What is complaining? Complaining
As a group discuss what the term complaining means. Have the participants look up the definition of complaining and synonyms for complaining.  Discuss whether they think complaining is a good thing or a bad thing.

20. We often hear about having SMART goals.
"SMART" Complaints
We often hear about having SMART goals.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.
You can apply a similar concept to complaints. SMART Complaints are:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable/Anger
Respectful/Reasonable
Trackable

21. The “SMART” Complaining Checklist
Before you share your complaint, or following a failed complaint, review the following checklist as a guide:
S – Specific/Support
 Are you being specific when you explain your complaint?
 Can you speak with a specific person who can change policy or decisions?
 Do you have support? Have you asked friends, family or others for help or advice?
 Is there a community group that could give you support?
 Do you have facts and documents to support you?
M - Measurable
 Is there a way to measure the result of your problem? Has it cost you money?
 What will fix your complaint?
 Would you be willing to compromise? By how much?
A – Achievable/Anger
 Can you achieve your goal? Did you give clear, factual evidence?
 Are you using your anger positively: to energize and motivate you?
 Are you negatively expressing your anger: by shouting, threatening, etc.?
R –Respectful/Reasonable
 Are you being respectful and courteous?
 Are you treating others, as you would like to be treated?
 Are your expectations reasonable?
T – Tracking
 Are you tracking your progress by keeping a detailed record of all calls, letters, responses and any other relevant items?
Source: Self-Advocacy Curriculum (Self Help Alliance, 2010) p.49
Note:  This is also a handout. Review the SMART complaining checklist with the group.

22. Rules for Complaining
1. Don't complain all the time. Constant complaining is just whining, and makes you seem like a difficult person.
2. Don't complain unless you know all the facts.Do some research about the issues before you start to complain.
3. Be specific about what you are complaining about. Don't just say you don't like something, explain why you don't like something.
4. Complain to the right person. If you are not complaining to someone who can fix the problem, it probably won't get fixed.
5. Don't make the complaint a personal attack. Use "I" messages to avoid criticizing directly.
6. Have suggestions as to how to fix the issue. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
7. Don't let the issue escalate. Deal with it as soon as possible so it doesn't get worse.
Source: Adapted from The Advocacy Curriculum (Self Help Alliance, 2010) p. 50
Note:  This is also a handout. Review "Rules for Complaining" with the group.

23. Milestone 60

24. The resources can be downloaded free of charge
This Power Point was created by Laubach Literacy Ontario.   ​
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This Employment Ontario Project was funded by the Ontario Government. 2015  ​
All website links were accurate at the time of original distribution-March 2015. ​
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