Speak Up Stand Tall Lesson Plan Speak Up, Stand Tall
Self-Advocacy in the Workplace
Duration
2 Hours
Why This Lesson?
Effective self-advocacy is vital for maintaining a healthy and respectful work environment. This lesson empowers adult males with disabilities to confidently address hurtful comments, protecting their emotional well-being and ensuring their job security. Learning these skills fosters self-respect and teaches others how to treat them.
Audience & Approach
Audience: Adult Male with Disabilities
Prep & Materials
Review the entire lesson plan and all linked materials.
Ensure projector/Smartboard is set up for the Slide Deck.
Print copies of Worksheet and Reading for each student.
Prepare for role-playing activities as described.
Arrange seating to facilitate discussion.
Learning Objective
Students will learn to identify hurtful comments in the workplace and develop effective self-advocacy strategies, including verbal and non-verbal responses, to address them respectfully and professionally, ultimately strengthening their ability to maintain employment.
Instructional Sequence
15 Min
Start
Warm-Up: Share Your Experience
• Begin with the Warm Up Activity . Ask students to think about a time someone said something that made them feel uncomfortable or hurt.
• Facilitate a brief, guided discussion, emphasizing feelings rather than specific stories.
• Introduce the lesson objective: learning to advocate at work.
• Use slides 1-2 of the Slide Deck .
20 Min
Understanding Hurtful Comments
• Present slides 3-6 using the Script to explain types of hurtful comments (jokes, assumptions, dismissals).
• Distribute and read the Reading: Your Voice Matters . Discuss key takeaways.
• Discuss why people make comments (ignorance vs. malice) and why addressing them is vital.
30 Min
Strategies for Self-Advocacy
• Introduce strategies using slides 7-12 and the Script .
• Focus on 'I' statements : "I feel...", "I need...", "Please stop...".
• Discuss non-verbal cues: eye contact, posture, tone.
• Demonstrate examples and gather student input on phrases.
35 Min
Practice Scenarios
• Complete the Worksheet: Responding to Comments individually or in pairs.
• Use the Discussion Guide to lead a class share-out with feedback.
• Conduct brief role-playing exercises with volunteers to practice responses.
• Guide this section with slides 13-14.
10 Min
Quiz: Advocacy Check
• Administer the Quiz: Advocacy Check to assess student understanding.
• Review answers as a class for immediate feedback.
10 Min
End
Cool-Down & Assessment
• Students complete the Cool Down: My Advocacy Plan as an exit ticket.
• Distribute the Test: Workplace Advocacy Skills for homework or next session.
Speak Up Stand Tall Slides Welcome!
Speaking Up Matters
Why is it important to speak up at work?
Our Goal Today
Learn to:
1
Identify hurtful comments.
2
Understand why self-advocacy is important.
3
Practice ways to respond clearly and confidently.
What Are Hurtful Comments?
Words or actions that make us feel:
Sad or angry
Uncomfortable
Disrespected
They can be:
Jokes that aren't funny
Assumptions about you
Being dismissed or ignored
Intent vs. Impact
Intent
What someone means to do.
Impact
How their words make you feel.
Your feelings are valid, no matter their intent.
Why Does This Matter at Work?
Makes work unpleasant
Affects how you do your job
Damages relationships
Makes you feel less confident
Learning to respond helps you feel safe and respected.
What is Self-Advocacy?
It's speaking up for yourself!
Knowing your rights.
Expressing needs and feelings.
Asking for what you want or need.
Self-advocacy is a superpower that helps you navigate life and work with dignity.
Verbal Strategies: 'I' Statements
Focus on how you feel, not on blaming others.
"I feel uncomfortable when..."
"I don't like it when..."
"I need you to stop..."
Verbal Strategies: Clear Requests
Be direct and polite, but firm.
"Could you please not say that?"
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't make comments about..."
"Let's keep our conversations professional."
Your Body Speaks Too!
Eye Contact
Look at the person.
Posture
Stand or sit tall.
Facial Expression
Keep it calm and serious.
Tone of Voice
Speak clearly and calmly.
Putting It Together
Clear Words
'I' statements & Requests
Body Language
Speak Up Stand Tall Script Speak Up, Stand Tall Script
Instructional Guide for Facilitators
Warm-Up: Share Your Experience
15 MIN
TEACHER:
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really important: feeling respected at work and knowing how to handle situations when that respect might be challenged."
TEACHER:
"To start, I want you to think about a time someone said something to you – maybe at work, maybe somewhere else – that made you feel uncomfortable or hurt. You don't need to share the specific details, but just think about how it made you feel. Did you wish you had responded differently? What kind of feelings came up?"
[Allow a few moments for quiet reflection. If students are comfortable, facilitate a brief discussion focusing strictly on the EMOTIONS and CHALLENGES of speaking up, not the details of the events.]
TEACHER:
"Thank you for thinking about that. It's okay if you don't want to share the exact story, but I want everyone to understand that these feelings are normal. Our goal today is to learn how to advocate for ourselves when similar situations arise, especially at work. This is a skill that will help you feel more confident and maintain a positive work environment."
Understanding Hurtful Comments
20 MIN
SLIDE 3: What Are Hurtful Comments?
TEACHER:
"Sometimes, people say things that can really sting. These aren't always direct insults. They might be jokes that aren't funny to you, assumptions they make about your abilities or your life, or even just dismissing your ideas. Look at the slide: 'Words or actions that make us feel sad or angry, uncomfortable, or disrespected.' Can anyone give a general example of a 'joke' that might not be funny to everyone? Or an assumption someone might make?"
SLIDE 4: Intent vs. Impact
TEACHER:
"It's really important to remember something: sometimes people don't mean to hurt you. They might just be ignorant, or not thinking. But here's the key: their intent – what they meant to do – doesn't change the impact – how their words made you feel. Your feelings are always valid. If something hurts you, it hurts, no matter why they said it."
TEACHER:
"I'm going to hand out a short reading called 'Your Voice Matters'. Please take a few minutes to read it quietly, or if you prefer, we can read it together as a class. It talks more about the importance of speaking up."
Strategies for Self-Advocacy
30 MIN
SLIDE 7: 'I' Statements
TEACHER:
"One of the most powerful tools is using 'I' statements. Instead of saying, 'You always make rude jokes,' you focus on how you feel. For example: 'I feel uncomfortable when you make comments about my personal life.' You're owning your feelings without accusing."
When Words Sting Warm Up When Words Sting
Warm-Up Activity
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Think about a time when someone said something that made you feel uncomfortable, sad, or hurt. It could be at work, with friends, or with family. You don't need to share the exact story, but consider the questions below.
1. How did those words make you feel inside?
2. Did you wish you had responded differently at that moment?
3. What do you think is the hardest part about speaking up when someone says something hurtful?
Note: You will not be asked to share your specific story, but we will discuss the feelings and challenges that come with these situations.
Your Voice Matters Reading Self-Advocacy Spotlight
Your Voice Matters
Understanding Self-Advocacy at Work
Sometimes, things happen at work that can make us feel uncomfortable or upset. This might be a comment someone makes, a joke that doesn't land right, or an assumption about what you can or cannot do. Learning how to handle these situations is a very important skill, called self-advocacy .
What are Hurtful Comments?
Hurtful comments aren't always big, mean insults. Sometimes they are subtler but still impact how you feel.
Even if someone doesn't mean to be hurtful, the impact can still be negative. Your feelings are important and valid.
Unkind Jokes
Someone tries to be funny, but their joke makes you feel bad or targets something personal about you.
Assumptions
Assuming things about your abilities or life without knowing you. For example: "You probably can't do that task."
Dismissive Remarks
Ignoring your ideas, talking over you, or making you feel like your contributions don't matter.
Why Speak Up? The Power of Self-Advocacy
01
Your Well-being
Addressing comments helps you protect your emotional health and reduces anxiety.
02
Respect
You teach others how you expect to be treated, which builds a respectful workplace.
03
Job Satisfaction
A respectful environment makes your job more enjoyable and helps you perform better.
04
Job Security
By resolving conflicts early, you contribute to a healthy workplace and maintain your role.
How to Be a Self-Advocate
Being a self-advocate means clearly and calmly communicating your needs and feelings. It's about being assertive , not aggressive. You are telling someone: "This is how I feel, and this is what I need."
"I" Statements Focus on your feelings, not on blaming. Try "I feel uncomfortable when..."
Clear Requests Directly ask for what you need. "Please don't use that word."
Body Language Stand tall, make eye contact, and use a calm, steady voice.
Seek Support If direct communication doesn't work, it's okay to ask HR or a supervisor for help.
Responding to Comments Worksheet Responding to Comments
Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Read each workplace scenario. Then, write down how you would respond using the self-advocacy strategies we discussed. Think about both your words and your body language.
Scenario 1
The "Helpful" Comment
You are working on a task, and a coworker says, "Are you sure you can do that? Maybe I should just do it for you. It looks complicated."
1. How do you feel when you hear this?
2. What would you say using an "I" statement and a clear request?
3. What body language would you use?
4. If the comments continued, what would be your next step?
Scenario 2
The Unfunny Joke
A coworker tells a joke in the breakroom that uses stereotypes about people with disabilities. Everyone else laughs, but you feel uncomfortable and disrespected.
1. How do you feel when you hear this?
2. What would you say using an "I" statement and a clear request?
3. What body language would you use?
4. If the jokes continued, what would be your next step?
Scenario 3
Being Ignored
In a team meeting, you offer a good idea, but your supervisor seems to ignore it and moves on. A few minutes later, another coworker suggests the exact same idea, and the supervisor praises it.
1. How do you feel when this happens?
2. After the meeting, how might you approach your supervisor?
3. What body language would you use?
4. If this pattern continued, what would be your next step?
Workplace Scenarios Discussion Guide Discussion Guide: Workplace Scenarios
Teacher Resource for Scenario Debriefing
How to Use This Guide
Use this guide to facilitate the class discussion after students complete the Responding to Comments Worksheet . Encourage open sharing, respectful listening, and constructive feedback.
Opening the Discussion
Prompt
"Before we dive into specific answers, what was generally challenging about these scenarios? What felt easy?"
Remind students that there is often more than one "right" way to respond, and the best way depends on the situation and how they feel.
1
Scenario 1: The "Helpful" Comment
10 Minutes
Key Discussion Points
Feelings: Students might feel frustrated, annoyed, or underestimated. Validate that it's okay to feel this even when a coworker "means well."Responses: "I feel capable of completing this task on my own," or "I appreciate the offer, but I'd like to try it myself first."Body Language: Calm, confident posture, direct eye contact, and a firm but polite tone. Avoid looking at the floor or whispering.
Role-Play Idea: Teacher plays the coworker. Student practices a polite "I'm good, thanks" response with strong eye contact.
2
Scenario 2: The Unfunny Joke
10 Minutes
Key Discussion Points
Feelings: Isolation, anger, or shame. Discuss how hard it is to speak up when others are laughing.Responses: "I feel uncomfortable when jokes like that are made. They can be hurtful." or simply, "I don't find that funny."Escalation: If it's a pattern, stress the need for HR involvement. Inappropriate jokes create a hostile work environment.
3
Scenario 3: Being Ignored
10 Minutes
Key Discussion Points
Feelings: Frustration, being devalued. This is "invisible" hurting.The Approach: Talk to the supervisor after the meeting. Use professional language: "I just wanted to make sure my contributions are being heard."Body Language: Professional, calm, open body language (no crossed arms). Advocacy Check Quiz Advocacy Check
Quick Quiz
Name:
Date:
1. Which of these is an example of an "I" statement?
"You always interrupt me."
"I feel frustrated when I am interrupted."
"Stop talking over me."
"Why do you keep interrupting?"
2. Which non-verbal cue shows confidence when speaking up?
Looking at your feet.
Crossing your arms tightly.
Making calm eye contact.
Whispering your response.
3. If a coworker makes a joke that makes you uncomfortable, what should you do first?
Laugh along to fit in.
Immediately tell your supervisor.
Ignore it and hope it stops.
Politely express your discomfort using an "I" statement.
4. Explain why it's important to use "I" statements when advocating for yourself.
5. What is a good next step if self-advocacy attempts are not working?
Start avoiding that coworker.
Keep trying the same approach.
Talk to a supervisor or Human Resources (HR).
Make hurtful comments back to them.
Workplace Advocacy Test Workplace Advocacy Skills
Comprehensive Test
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following best describes self-advocacy in the workplace?
Letting others make decisions for you.
Aggressively confronting coworkers.
Speaking up for your rights and needs respectfully.
Ignoring problems until they go away.
2. What is the main difference between 'intent' and 'impact' when someone says something hurtful?
Intent is what you say, impact is how you say it.
Intent is what someone meant, impact is how it made you feel.
Intent is always negative, impact is always positive.
There is no difference; they mean the same thing.
Part 2: Short Answer
3. Describe three different types of hurtful comments you might encounter in the workplace (e.g., unkind jokes, assumptions, dismissive remarks) and provide a brief example for each.
Type 1:
Type 2:
Type 3:
4. When using an 'I' statement, what is the most important thing to focus on?
Blaming the other person for their actions.
Describing how their actions make you feel.
Demanding an apology immediately.
Changing the subject quickly.
5. Which of these is an example of confident non-verbal communication?
Avoiding eye contact.
Slouching shoulders.
Speaking in a low, uncertain voice.
Standing tall with calm eye contact.
6. Imagine a coworker frequently makes comments about your personal life that make you uncomfortable. You've tried to politely tell them to stop, but it continues. What are your next two steps?
7. Why is it important to address hurtful comments in the workplace?
To get someone fired.
To make work unpleasant for others.
To protect your well-being and maintain respect.
To prove you are always right.
8. On a scale of 1-5, how confident do you feel using an 'I' statement?
Not Confident
1
2
3
4
5
Very Confident
9. On a scale of 1-5, how confident do you feel knowing when to seek help from HR?
Not Confident
1
2
3
4
5
Very Confident
10. In your own words, explain how self-advocacy can help you maintain your job.
My Advocacy Plan Cool Down My Advocacy Plan
Exit Ticket • Speak Up, Stand Tall
One specific advocacy strategy I will try to use:
I will use this strategy to:
Thank you for participating today.
Name:
My Advocacy Plan
Exit Ticket • Speak Up, Stand Tall
One specific advocacy strategy I will try to use:
I will use this strategy to:
Thank you for participating today.
Name:
