1. Based on information found from the National mental Health Consumer’s self-help Clearing house http://www.mhselfhelp.org/freedom/pubsa.pdf Taking on the responsibility for what you need

2. Attitude Believing in yourself Be assertive Manage your anger Problem solving Educate yourself

3. Anyone can be an advocate 

4. There is no one who knows you better than yourself 

5. Lack of assertiveness is a major obstacle to obtain the service(s) you want or need

6. Active listening means that you take steps to find out the information that you need 

7. Not just listen to what the person says 

8. Paraphrase what you have hear the person say Restating gives both of you the understanding of what has been discussed

9. Assertiveness is not the same as aggression Anger can and does turn people off 

10.  Crying can also turn people off And make you look unprofessional

11. The right attitude can be an effective way to define obstacles and work around them 

12. The end solution to the problem may look very different the from first expectation of the solution 

13. Break down the Problem area of influence area of concern

14. Develop a solution Be able to see the other side’s point of view Reflect on what you plan to do before you do it

15. ADA Rehabilitation act of 1974 

16. You are entitled to a “reasonable accommodation” if you can proved a need to this accommodation as a result of your disability

17. This information is for you not for them 

18. Ask questions Get answers Learn, Learn, Learn 