Self-Advocacy Mini Lesson

Advocate? What does ADVOCATE MEAN??? Advocate (verb): To speak, plead, or argue in favor of. To stand up for something. Example: I advocate for women’s rights. Advocate (noun): One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender. Example: I am an advocate for special education students.

So what does Self-Advocacy mean…? Look at the definitions of advocate. Based on what you now know, what might self-advocacy mean?

WHAT IS SELF-ADVOCACY? Self–Advocacy: The self-advocacy movement is (in basic terms) about people with disabilities speaking up for themselves. It means that although a person with a disability may call upon the support of others, the individual is entitled to be in control of their own resources and how they are directed. It is about having the right to make life decisions without undue influence or control by others.

Examples of Self-Advocacy Self-Advocacy is when you stand up for yourself and your rights as a student with special needs. What would this look like? Asking to receive your accommodations (extended time, having tests read to you, being able to go to the learning lab) Asking for help from teachers when you need it. Asking to re-take tests you have failed. Asking to see your grades for class. Other ideas?

Summary of what you learned. Complete the “Summary of what I learned” portion of your notes. What is self-advocacy?

STRENGTHS!

Why talk about your strengths? Why is it important to discuss your strengths? It is important to know what you are good at. It is important to know what skills you already have. Why??? Job applications – you have to sell yourself. School – if you know what you’re good at you can focus on using those strengths to make sure you succeed.

What strengths do you have? Think about what you are good at: School/Subjects? Hobbies/Sports/Interests List 3-5 of your strengths.

Why include strengths in the IEP? Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance This section of your IEP discusses many things. Most importantly it gives us a picture of your overall performance in school. It also includes your strengths. By including your strengths, the entire IEP team and all of your teachers have a better understanding of you as a student.

Summary of what you learned… Complete the summary portion of the notes.

Areas of Need/Weaknesses

Why know what your weaknesses are? Why is it important to know what your weaknesses or areas of need are? You will be able to anticipate subjects or tasks that you may need extra help on. You will know what areas you need to improve in in order to be successful.

Areas of need What you struggle with or need help on All of your teachers provide information so we know what you need help with. It is important that this be included in the IEP so all of your teachers now and in the future know how to help you succeed. Examples of areas of need are: Student struggles with math calculation. Student struggles with staying focused in class. Student struggles with being on time to class.

Areas of need What are your areas of need or weaknesses? List 3-5 subjects, ideas or concepts that you struggle with. Remember, knowing your weaknesses is a good thing because it allows you to focus on what you need to improve in order to be successful. Also, you already know your strengths!

Summary of What I Learned Complete the summary of what I learned portion of your notes.

Defining IEP

What does IEP stand for? I = Individualized E = Education P = Plan This means it is individualized or made just for YOU. E = Education P = Plan

What is an IEP? Putting all of that together…. Individualized Education Plan An IEP is a plan that is written based on your individual strengths and needs. This plan will help you to be successful in school.

What is an IEP? Your IEP was written by a team of people. Your teachers A school psychologist or social worker An administrator (assistant principal) A counselor Your parent or guardian and most importantly….YOU!

What is an IEP? Why is a whole team involved? There are many people involved in your education. Having different perspectives, or points of view, will help ensure that your IEP is going to help you be successful!

What is an IEP? Why should you be involved? This is an individualized plan! You know what works best for you in school. You know what teachers can do to help you be successful!

BONUS! Why did I include a picture of a snowflake on the first slide?

Why do I have an IEP?

Why do I have an IEP? Remember, IEP stands for: Your IEP includes: Individualized Education Plan Your IEP includes: Strengths Areas of need (or weaknesses) Individual information about you as a student

Why do I have an IEP? How might this document be of use to you? An IEP will ensure that the schools you attend know how to help you be successful. An IEP will ensure that you receive the accommodations you need. An IEP will ensure that you take the classes you need to take.

Why do I have an IEP? An IEP will help you graduate from high school and achieve the goals you have set for yourself. How?

Accommodations Mini Lesson

What are accommodations? Accommodations are the actual teaching supports and services that a student may require to successfully demonstrate learning.

What are accommodations? Accommodations are steps that you can take with your teacher to ensure that you are successful in class! For example, you may need extra time on tests or need a separate, quiet location to take your tests.

Examples of Accommodations Every student with an IEP is individual, which is why it is an INDIVIDUALIZED Education Plan.

Examples of Accommodations Extended time Oral Presentation Preferential Seating Repetition of instruction Provide a script, notes, study guide of the lecture Many more….

Do my teachers know what my accommodations are? YES! Your teachers receive a list of your accommodations.

Do my teachers know what my accommodations are? You have to remember that teachers have a lot of students (over 100!) and may sometimes forget that you need an accommodation. This is why it is important for you to self-advocate and ask to receive your accommodations!

Individual Accommodations

What are my accommodations? You now know what accommodations are…. Accommodations are steps that you can take with your teacher to ensure that you are successful in class!

What are my accommodations? Now we can figure out what YOUR accommodations are! Look at the IEP you were given…it’s yours!

FLASH BACK What does IEP stand for? Individualized Education Plan

What are my accommodations? Take a look at your IEP….do you have any questions? Flip to Section 10 of your IEP to find your Accommodations. Read through the list of your accommodations. Next to each accommodation write a paraphrase of what it means. If you are unsure of what an accommodation means, raise your hand for help.

What are my accommodations? Once you have determined what each of your accommodations means and can paraphrase them….. Write your accommodations (or your paraphrase) on the index card you were given.

EXAMPLE INDEX CARD Ms. Hamilton 07/20/14 My Accommodations: Extended time on assessments Oral Presentation (Tests read out loud to me) Preferential Seating (sit near the front of the room)

What are my accommodations? Turn your index card into Ms. Hamilton. I will have them laminated and return them to you!

How can my IEP help me in high school?

How can my IEP help me in high school? Think-Pair-Share: How will an IEP (accommodations, goals, goals for your training and career) help you succeed in high school? Ideas?

How can my IEP help me in high school? Accommodations: having accommodations will ensure that you are able to be successful in your classes. Goals: Academic goals will ensure that you make progress in your areas of need. Transition Goals: These goals will help you become what you want to be when you grow up!

How can my IEP help me in high school? Your IEP can help make sure you take the classes you need, and the classes that will be best for you.

Self-Advocacy in High School, College & Beyond

Why should I worry about self-advocacy after high school? Once you’re at college (or training for a job), self-advocacy skills will serve you well! It means using resources and getting help when and where you need it – without being helpless. It begins with knowing who you are.

What should I focus on to self-advocate beyond high school? Strengths – academic strengths, personal strengths, social, hobbies and interests. Areas of need – academic, personal, social. Accommodations- Which of your accommodations will be helpful to you after high school? Learning style- How do you learn best? Strategies – What kinds of strategies help you in different subjects?

Where do I start? You will receive a copy of your IEP when you graduate. This is important to keep! You will contact Disability Services (DS)at your college or training program and work with them to receive the accommodations and services you need. You will need your IEP with you.

Summary of what you learned. Complete the bottom portion of your notes and hand them in. MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON YOUR NOTES