On Ramp Guide On Ramp Guide
Counselor Facilitation Guide
OBJECTIVE
Identify personal support needs and practice communicating them using a structured script.
DURATION
60 - 90 Minutes
AUDIENCE
Graduating Seniors / Older Youth
The Route Map
10m Intro & Definition
15m Support Needs Inventory
20m 3-Part Script Instruction
30m Advocacy Arena Roleplay
15m Local Resource Mapping
Required Gear
• On Ramp Slides
• Blueprint Worksheets
• Arena Roleplay Cards
• Internet/Phone access
Phase 1 & 2: Definitions & Inventory
Counselor Script:
"Adulthood is a new highway where you are in the driver's seat. Self-Advocacy is knowing what you need and speaking up to get it. Use Section 1 of your Blueprint to identify your 'dashboard check'—what helps you work better, like written lists or quiet spaces?"
Phase 3: The Success Formula
Counselor Script:
"When asking for help, use our formula: The Need (what you want), The Reason (why it helps you perform), and The Result (how it benefits the team/college). This professional tone gets results."
Phase 4: Advocacy Arena
Counselor Script:
"Time to practice. One person is the Advocate , the other is the Representative . Use your script cards. Keep your tone firm and professional. If the representative says no, try to explain the 'Result' again to show how it helps them too."
Phase 5: Resource Mapping
Counselor Script:
"Where do you go when the road gets bumpy? Look up three local contacts—like Vocational Rehab or a Health Clinic—and add them to your map in the Blueprint. These are your emergency services."
Final Wrap-Up
"Adulthood isn't about doing everything alone. It's about building a pit crew. Keep your script and your map in your folder—you're ready for the merge."
End of Workshop
On Ramp Slides PREPARING FOR THE MERGE
ADULTING
ON-RAMP
Mastering the Art of Self-Advocacy
Session Facilitated by:
Your Transition Team
The Big Shift
High School / Home
"The GPS is set for you."
Parents and teachers advocate for your needs and set your schedule.
Post-Secondary / Adult Life
"You are in the driver's seat."
You must identify your own needs and speak up to get them met.
Defining
Self-Advocacy
KNOW
Understanding your strengths and what you need to succeed.
SPEAK
Communicating your needs clearly and respectfully to others.
DO
Taking action to find resources and solve problems.
Why Speak Up?
1
Access Support
In college or work, accommodations aren't automatic. You have to ask.
2
Avoid Burnout
Advocacy prevents you from struggling in silence with tasks that could be easier.
3
Show Professionalism
Asking for tools to do a better job shows bosses you care about results.
Checking the Dashboard
What do you need to operate at your best?
Learning Needs
Quiet space for testing
Audio versions of textbooks
Extended time for assignments
Note-taking assistance
Workplace Needs
Written instructions for tasks
Frequent short breaks
Specific ergonomic furniture
Screen-reading software
THE ADVOCACY SCRIPT
I NEED...
The Support
BECAUSE...
The Reason
SO THAT...
The Result
"I need written instructions because it’s hard for me to remember verbal lists, so that I can complete my tasks accurately and on time."
Advocacy Arena
Time to Roleplay:
Find a Partner
Pick a Scenario Card
Use the 3-Part Script
Swap Roles
Pro-Tip for Tone:
Be Assertive, not Aggressive
Eye contact (if comfortable)
Clear, steady voice
Your Support Map
Who is in your local "Pit Crew"? Find 3 essential contacts:
Post-Secondary Support
College Disability Offices, Career Centers, Voc-Rehab.
Health & Wellness
Community Mental Health, Free Clinics, Counseling Centers.
Community Basics
Legal Aid, Housing Authorities, Transportation Offices.
Ready for the
Open Road
"Adulthood is a team sport. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness—it's how the pros play the game."
Inventory Done
Script Mastered
Map Drafted
Adulting On-Ramp
Advocacy Arena Cards Advocacy Arena Cards
Practice Scenarios for the Real World
Scenario 01
The College Pitch
Setting: Disability Support Services Office
Your Situation:
You have dyslexia and the heavy reading load is a barrier. You need audio textbooks to stay on track.
The Representative:
"Audio books take time to order. Why do you need them instead of just reading more slowly?"
Need + Reason + Result
Scenario 02
The Shift Change
Setting: Retail Store Manager's Office
Your Situation:
You have a therapy appointment every Tuesday at 4pm. You need to leave work by 3:30pm.
The Representative:
"Tuesday is our inventory day. Why can't you move your appointment to Mondays?"
Need + Reason + Result
Scenario 03
The Form Fog
Setting: Housing Authority Window
Your Situation:
The form is full of legal jargon. You have a disability and need a simplified verbal explanation.
The Representative:
"The instructions are on page one. I'm not allowed to fill out forms for you."
Need + Reason + Result
Scenario 04
The Loud Floor
Setting: Fulfillment Warehouse
Your Situation:
You have sensory issues. The loud buzzers are overwhelming. You need noise-canceling earplugs.
The Representative:
"Earplugs are a hazard. We need you to hear the emergency alarms clearly."
Need + Reason + Result
Facilitator Note:
Cut along the borders. Encourage students to practice their tone—remaining assertive even when the representative is dismissive.
Self Advocacy Blueprint Worksheet My Advocacy Blueprint
Student Transition Workbook
Route No. 2026-SR
Driver Name:
Departure Date:
1
The Dashboard Check
Identify 3 supports that help you succeed in school or work (e.g., quiet testing, written lists, extra breaks).
Academic Support Needs
Workplace Support Needs
2
The Success Formula Script
Draft your script below:
PART 1: THE NEED
"I need..."
PART 2: THE REASON
"Because..."
PART 3: THE RESULT
"So that..."
3
Local Resource Map
Identify 3 local agencies (Voc Rehab, Health Clinic, etc.) for your support team.
Agency Name
Contact Details / Address
Agency Name
Contact Details / Address
Ready
Set
Go
"Drive your own success with confidence."
