For Self-Advocates
Empathy321 educates and inspires aspiration in self-advocates.
What is self-advocacy?
Self-advocacy is…
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The ability to make independent decisions for your wants, needs, and rights. For example, asking to set your own daily schedule instead of someone else doing it for you.
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To give a voice for a belief in something that affects you and other people like you. For example, speaking to Congress about how people with disabilities should have the same employment opportunities just like everyone else.
Everyone can be a self-advocate and have their voice heard!
How can I be a self-advocate?
Gain knowledge to empower yourself:
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First, you have to learn about who you are, what you need and want, and what your rights are.
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Then, you have to learn communication skills so that you can share your knowledge and get what you want and need.
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Then, you apply those self-awareness and communication skills to advocate for yourself in everyday life.
The most important parts of self-advocacy are to speak from your heart and to have an open mind.
Why is self-advocacy important?
Self-advocacy plays a big role in self-determination. Self-determination is being in control of your own lives and being motivated to pursue your own goals and dreams. Self-determined people have the freedom to make their own choices and take risks. Growing in self-advocacy helps you to feel a sense of self-validation and pride in yourself.
Also, building self-advocacy skills allows you to fight for more opportunities for yourself and others like you. When you self-advocate, you let the community know that you are not limited by your disability and that you deserve the same rights as everyone else. This leads to a world where inclusion for everyone becomes the way of life.