Job Application Advocacy Lesson Plan Job Application Advocacy
Tier 3 Individualized Instruction • 2-Hour Lesson
Time
120 min
Learning Objective
To equip an adult male with disabilities with the knowledge and skills to advocate for himself while applying for jobs, focusing on correct application procedures and self-advocacy strategies.
Preparation
Review all materials and instructional script.
Ensure all printouts are ready (Worksheet, Reading, Quiz).
Prepare a private, comfortable learning environment.
Whiteboard or large paper for brainstorming.
Lesson Materials
Job Application Advocacy Slide Deck
Job Application Advocacy Script
Warm Up: Your Strengths! Activity
Reading: Advocating for Yourself
Worksheet: Crafting Your Advocacy Plan
Discussion Prompts: Real-World Advocacy
Quiz: Job Application Advocacy Check
Answer Key: Advocacy Quiz
Cool Down: One Big Takeaway
Test: Comprehensive Assessment
Instructional Sequence
10 min
Warm-Up: Your Strengths!
Begin with the strengths activity. Encourage the student to think about unique abilities and set a positive tone for self-worth.
15 min
Introduction to Advocacy
Use Slide Deck (1-3) and Script. Define key terms: advocacy, disclosure, and reasonable accommodations.
20 min
Reading Passage
Read "Advocating for Yourself" together or independently. Discuss main points and answer questions.
25 min
Crafting Your Advocacy Plan
Complete the worksheet. Help identify strengths, potential challenges, and positive needs-based statements.
20 min
Real-World Advocacy Discussion
Use Discussion Prompts. Practice verbalizing advocacy statements in realistic scenarios.
15 min
Quiz & Review
Administer the Quiz. Review answers together to clarify misconceptions and reinforce learning.
15 min
Cool-Down & Assessment
Reflect on the "One Big Takeaway." Optionally administer the Comprehensive Test if desired.
Job Application Advocacy Slide Deck Welcome!
Let's Get That Job!
Today, we're going to unlock your potential to find and get the job you want.
How to apply for jobs effectively
How to show off your best self
How to get the support you need
Teacher Notes: Welcome the student and set a positive tone.
What is Self-Advocacy?
"Speaking up for yourself and your needs."
In job applications, it means:
Knowing your strengths
Understanding your rights
Asking for what you need
Making sure your voice is heard!
Teacher Notes: Explain that job hunting is about telling your story and your strengths.
Why Is This Important?
Valuable Skills
You have unique talents to offer! Self-advocacy helps you show employers your true potential, not just a label.
Fairness
It ensures a fair and inclusive hiring process, helping you find a workplace where you can truly thrive.
Outcome
"Self-advocacy overcomes misunderstandings and opens doors."
Teacher Notes: Emphasize empowerment and overcoming potential employer bias.
Applying The Right Way
Read job descriptions carefully
Tailor resume & cover letter
Complete all application parts
Proofread EVERYTHING!
Teacher Notes: Discuss thoroughness and professional etiquette.
Showcase Your Strengths!
Skills
Writing and drawing skills are valuable in many roles.
Accomplishments
"Being included" shows you work well in teams.
Uniqueness
Being yourself and enjoying what you do is your superpower!
Don't be shy! Share your superpowers!
Teacher Notes: Discuss how to articulate unique experiences.
Disclosure & Accommodations
Disclosure
Deciding to tell an employer about your disability. It is your choice.
Reasonable Accommodation
Changes at work that help you do your job effectively (e.g., flexible schedule, specific equipment).
"It's about finding the right fit for you!"
Teacher Notes: Address disclosure rights and the definition of accommodations.
Let's Plan Your Advocacy!
On your worksheet, we will explore your strengths, skills, and any support you might need to succeed.
Time for: "Crafting Your Advocacy Plan" Worksheet
Teacher Notes: Prepare the student for the worksheet activity.
Job Application Advocacy Script Instructional Script
Job Application Advocacy • Tier 3 Individual Instruction
Note: Text in bold and quotes is meant to be spoken aloud. Prompts in underscored sections represent space for the student to respond or for you to record notes on the whiteboard.
10 MIN
Warm-Up: Your Strengths!
"Good morning! Let's start today by thinking about something really important: you! Everyone has unique strengths and positive qualities. I want you to take a moment and think about what makes you great, especially when it comes to a job. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing that could be a skill? Don't be shy!"
"Great ideas! It's so important to remember these things about yourself. They are your superpowers in the job search. We'll come back to this idea often today."
15 MIN
Introduction to Self-Advocacy
"Today, we're going to talk about something called self-advocacy, especially when you're looking for a job. Has anyone heard that term before? What do you think it means?"
"That's a good start! Simply put, self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and your needs. Think about it like being your own best spokesperson. When you're applying for jobs, it means telling potential employers about your strengths, understanding your rights, and asking for what you might need to do your best work."
"Why do you think it's extra important for someone like you to be good at self-advocacy during the job search?"
"Exactly! It helps employers see your true potential, not just your disability. It ensures you're treated fairly, and you get the support you need to succeed. We'll also talk about disclosure and reasonable accommodations—tools to help you advocate."
20 MIN
Reading: Advocating for Yourself
"Now, I have a short reading for you that goes deeper into these ideas. It's called 'Advocating for Yourself in Job Applications'. You can read it quietly to yourself, or we can read it together, whichever you prefer. Take your time and highlight anything that stands out or confuses you."
[Allow student to read. Offer assistance as needed.]
"Alright, what were some of the main points that jumped out at you? Any questions about disclosure or reasonable accommodations now that you've read about them?"
25 MIN
Crafting Your Advocacy Plan
"Now, let's make it personal. We're going to go through the 'Crafting Your Advocacy Plan' worksheet together."
Warm Up Your Strengths Activity Your Strengths!
Warm-Up Activity
Name: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
Take a few minutes to think about your unique strengths, talents, and positive qualities. These are the things that make you great, both as a person and as a potential employee.
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing that could be a useful skill in a job?
What positive qualities do you have?
(Examples: reliable, friendly, good listener, creative, patient, detail-oriented)
"Your strengths are your superpowers. Own them!"
Advocating for Yourself in Job Applications Reading Advocating for Yourself in Job Applications
Career Empowerment Guide • Self-Advocacy Series
Finding a job can be an exciting journey, and for individuals with disabilities, it often involves an important step: self-advocacy . Self-advocacy means understanding your rights, knowing your strengths, and speaking up for what you need to succeed in the workplace. It's about ensuring employers see you for your abilities and potential, not just your disability.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Many employers are committed to diversity and inclusion. However, they might not always know how best to support every individual. By advocating for yourself, you help bridge this gap. You empower yourself to:
Highlight Your Strengths: Showcase your skills and experiences directly.Ensure Fair Consideration: Prevent misunderstandings by providing clear, accurate information.Secure Necessary Support: Ask for reasonable accommodations to perform job duties effectively.Find the Right Fit: Find a workplace that values and supports you.
Applying the Right Way
Doing it correctly shows professionalism and attention to detail:
1. Read Carefully
Understand the job requirements and essential skills.
2. Tailor Your Materials
Match your resume to the specific job description.
3. Complete Everything
Fill out all sections accurately; incomplete files are ignored.
4. Proofread
Check spelling and grammar. First impressions matter!
Key Concepts: Disclosure & Accommodations
What is Disclosure?
Disclosure refers to your choice to share information about your disability. This is a personal decision. You are generally not required to disclose unless asked if you can perform essential job functions.
When to Consider Disclosing:
Before: In a cover letter if it explains employment gaps or is relevant.During: If you need accommodations for the interview itself.After: Often recommended after an offer is made for maximum legal protection.
What are Reasonable Accommodations?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.
Physical changes (ramps, modified desks)
Crafting Your Advocacy Plan Worksheet My Advocacy Plan
Job Application Strategy Worksheet
Name: __________________________
Section 1: My Strengths and Skills
List 3-5 of your strongest skills (e.g., problem-solving, communication, organization):
List 3-5 positive personal qualities (e.g., reliable, determined, friendly):
How have these strengths helped you in the past? (Give one example):
Section 2: Challenges and Solutions
Anticipated Challenge
(e.g., Nervousness in interviews)
My Solution
(e.g., Practice with a mock interview)
Section 3: Considering Accommodations
Are there any reasonable accommodations that would help you do a job effectively?
(List equipment, schedule changes, or physical workspace needs)
How would you politely and clearly explain WHY you need this to an employer?
Section 4: Practicing Your Statements
Practice Interview Statement (Self-Promotion):
Example: "I am a reliable worker who always shows up on time and completes tasks accurately."
Practice Disclosure Statement (Requesting Support):
Example: "To be most productive, I would benefit from a flexible start time as a reasonable accommodation."
"Your advocacy plan is your roadmap to professional success."
Real World Advocacy Discussion Prompts Real-World Advocacy
Scenario Discussion Cards
Scenario 1: Online Disclosure
APPLICATION PHASE
You are filling out an online job application, and you see a section that asks, "Do you have a disability?" You also see an option that says, "I choose not to answer."
Discussion Questions:
What are the pros and cons of answering yes, no, or choosing not to answer at this stage?
What would YOU choose to do and why?
Scenario 2: The Employment Gap
INTERVIEW PHASE
During an interview, the hiring manager says, "I notice a gap in your work history. Can you tell me about that?"
Discussion Questions:
How would you respond in a way that is honest, professional, and highlights your strengths?
How can you address this without over-disclosing sensitive medical information?
Scenario 3: Interview Accommodations
PRE-INTERVIEW
You have an interview scheduled, and you realize you would perform much better if you had a specific accommodation (e.g., a quiet room, questions in writing beforehand, or a specific chair).
Discussion Questions:
How and when would you request this from the employer?
What is a polite way to phrase this request?
Scenario 4: The Job Offer
POST-OFFER PHASE
Congratulations, you've received a job offer! You know you will need a reasonable accommodation to perform some of the job duties effectively.
Discussion Questions:
When is the best time to discuss this?
How would you bring it up to your new supervisor?
Job Application Advocacy Check Quiz Advocacy Check
Job Application Quiz
Name: __________________________
Score: ________ / 5
Select the best answer for each multiple-choice question. For the final question, write your answer in the space provided.
1. What does "self-advocacy" mean in the context of job searching?
Letting others speak for you
Only focusing on your disability
Speaking up for yourself and your needs
Ignoring job requirements
2. Why is it important to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application?
It saves time
It shows you only want one type of job
It highlights relevant skills and experiences for that specific job
It makes the application longer
3. Which of these is an example of a "reasonable accommodation"?
A brand new office building
A higher salary
A flexible work schedule to attend appointments
A personal assistant for all tasks
4. When is often considered the best time to discuss reasonable accommodations with an employer?
In the first sentence of your cover letter
During the job interview (before any offer)
After a job offer has been made
Never
5. Describe in your own words why proofreading your job application materials is important.
Advocacy Quiz Answer Key Answer Key
Job Application Advocacy Quiz
1
What does "self-advocacy" mean in the context of job searching?
Correct Answer: Speaking up for yourself and your needs
Thought Process: The lesson emphasized that self-advocacy is about taking an active role in communicating personal strengths and requirements.
2
Why is it important to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application?
Correct Answer: It highlights relevant skills and experiences for that specific job
Thought Process: Tailoring shows an employer that you understand their specific needs and have presented your most relevant qualifications.
3
Which of these is an example of a "reasonable accommodation"?
Correct Answer: A flexible work schedule to attend appointments
Thought Process: A reasonable accommodation is a modification that helps a person with a disability perform their job. The other options are either not accommodations or are unreasonable requests.
4
When is often considered the best time to discuss reasonable accommodations?
Correct Answer: After a job offer has been made
Thought Process: Discussing after an offer provides more legal protection and puts the applicant in a stronger position.
5
Importance of Proofreading
Expected Answer:
Proofreading shows professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you take the job seriously. Errors can give a negative impression and make it seem like you don't care about the quality of your work.
One Big Takeaway Cool Down Activity One Big Takeaway
Lesson Cool-Down
Name: ________________________________
Reflect on our lesson today about job application advocacy. In the space below, write down one important thing you learned, one skill you feel more confident about, or one strategy you plan to use in your job search.
My One Big Takeaway:
"Your voice is your most powerful tool. Keep speaking up for your future!"
Job Application Advocacy Assessment Test Comprehensive Assessment
Job Application Advocacy
Student Name
Date
1. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of self-advocacy in the job search?
Employers see your true potential
You might get a job you're not qualified for
You ensure fair consideration
You secure necessary support
2. What is the most important reason to proofread your resume and cover letter?
It makes them longer
It shows attention to detail and professionalism
It guarantees you an interview
It makes them look pretty
3. If a job description asks for "excellent communication skills," what should you do with your application materials?
Ignore that skill, it's not important
Only mention it once
Highlight your communication experiences throughout your resume
Tell a friend to write it for you
4. When is an employer generally required to provide a reasonable accommodation?
Anytime you ask for one
If it causes them undue hardship
When you request it and it allows you to perform essential job functions
Only if you disclose your disability before applying
5. Imagine you have an interview for a job you really want. What is one specific strength you would want to highlight, and how would you confidently share it with the interviewer?
6. Explain the difference between "disclosure" and "reasonable accommodation" in your own words. Why is it important to understand both?
