Self Advocacy

Plan Highlights:

• Proper self expression
• Exercise personal choices
• Responsible decision-making
• Understanding abuse and exploitation
• Making phone calls
• Basic phone courtesy
• Use of the telephone directory
• Writing letters
• Locating post offices
• Filing a grievance
• Legal rights
• Internet Use

Self-Advocacy is important to any individual whether they be developmentally disabled or otherwise. Self-Advocacy is the ability of a person to speak for themselves effectively, conveying their interests, needs, opinions and rights.

Clients need to be empowered to be knowledgeable about their rights and be made aware of their needs and learn the ability to assess them and be responsible to do so. They must know what to do when their rights are being violated and know and understand how not to violate others rights as well.

Little by little, we try to build the confidence of our clients and show them how to take responsibility for themselves so that they can be independent.