* 07/16/96 Self-Advocacy Strategies for Increased Participation In Individualized Education Plans By Tamika Bates *

What is the Purpose? Students must learn how to be a self-advocates in school and the real world; self-determination skills must be practiced on a daily basis to be successful. 11/18/2018

What is Self-Advocacy? Self-advocacy focuses on the ability to stand up for one-self and to help other people with disabilities to stand up for themselves by speaking up, speaking out, and speaking loud. It means having the opportunity to know your rights and responsibilities, to stand up for them, and to make choices about your own life. - Pennell

What is Self-Determination? Self-determination is the ability to identify and achieve goals based on the foundation of knowing and valuing oneself. - Field, Hoffman, and Posch

Why Should Students Participate In His/Her Education Plan? Educators recommend that students become active in the Individualized Education Process ( IEP). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that students should communicate their strengths, needs, and future goals to educators and families. The IEP represents an individual’s education; therefore, the student should be a primary participant in developing and monitoring his/her education program.

How Do Students Learn To Be Self-Advocates? Direct Instruction Strategic Learning Probe Questioning Role play Practice, Practice, Practice

Strategy #1 - IPARS I - inventory your strengths P - provide your inventory information A - asks questions R - respond to questions S - summarize your IEP goals

Strategy #2 - IPLAN I - inventory: strengths, areas to improve/learn, goals, and choices for learning or accommodations P - provide your inventory information L - listen and respond A - ask questions N - name your goals

Strategy #3 - SHARE S - sit up straight H - have a pleasant tone of voice A - activate your thinking R - relax E - engage in eye communication

What Is The Outcome? Students will verbalize their strengths and areas for improvement Students will become more involved in writing their IEP goals Students will be active participants in IEP conferences Students become self- advocates at school and in the real world

A Life Changing Reward "The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.” - Robyn Davidson