Voice Power Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Voice Power: 3-Hour Self-Advocacy Intensive
Audience: Adults with Disabilities
Format: One-on-One
Duration: 180 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Identify personal strengths, needs, and legal rights (ADA basics).
Distinguish between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication.
Apply the "Ask-Explain-Confirm" advocacy strategy.
Develop a concrete self-advocacy goal for a current life situation.
Time Module Key Activity 0:00 - 0:45 Module 1: The Expert on Me Strengths & Needs Mapping 0:45 - 1:30 Module 2: Communication Tools The "Three Voices" Practice 1:30 - 1:45 Break — Refresh and Recharge — 1:45 - 2:30 Module 3: Putting it Together Scenario Role-Play 2:30 - 3:00 Module 4: Taking Action My Advocacy Action Plan
Module 1: The Expert on Me (45 min)
Goal: Build confidence by identifying what the student is good at and what support they require.
Key Discussion Prompts
"What is something you are proud of doing lately?"
"When you go to the store/doctor/work, what makes things easier for you?"
"What is one thing people sometimes misunderstand about you?"
Facilitator Note
Validate every strength mentioned. Use the "Toolkit" workbook to record these. Many adults with disabilities are used to focusing on deficits; flip the script to strengths first.
Module 2: Communication Tools (45 min)
Goal: Teach the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive tones using visual aids and modeling.
1
The Three Voices:
Mouse (Passive), Lion (Aggressive), Human (Assertive).
2
The "I" Statement Formula:
"I feel [emotion] when [situation], and I need [specific request]."
Modeling Activity:
Model a "Mouse" voice (looking down, quiet) vs. a "Lion" voice (pointing finger, loud) vs. an "Assertive" voice (eye contact, firm but calm). Have the student practice each one for the same sentence: "I need a chair to sit on while I wait."
Module 3: Putting it Together (45 min)
Goal: Practice the "Ask-Explain-Confirm" framework in simulated scenarios.
ASK
State the need clearly
EXPLAIN
Why it helps you
CONFIRM
Check for understanding
Scenario Practice Instructions
Select a scenario card (e.g., Medical, Workplace, Public).
Facilitator plays the "Barrier" (the person saying no or not understanding).
Student uses the Ask-Explain-Confirm steps.
Debrief: Ask the student: "How did that feel? What would make it easier next time?"
Module 4: Taking Action (30 min)
Goal: Transition from theory to real life by creating a concrete goal.
Action Plan Coaching:
Guide the student through the "Action Plan" page in their workbook. Help them choose a goal that is Immediate (can happen this week) and Manageable .
Example: "I will tell my doctor I need more time to process their instructions."
Example: "I will ask my supervisor for written instructions instead of just verbal."
Wrap Up & Celebration
Self-advocacy is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. End the session by presenting the Certificate of Completion.
Checklist for Success
Workbook is filled out
Goal is specific and written down
Student has identified a "Backup Person"
Next Steps
"Schedule a 15-minute follow-up call or meeting in one week to see how the action plan went."
© 2026 Voice Power Advocacy Training • Instructional Materials
Voice Power Slides VOICE POWER
Self-Advocacy Intensive
What is it?
"Speaking up for what I need to live the life I want."
It is about choice, rights, and responsibility.
Today's Blueprint
Part 1
The Expert on Me
Strengths and Needs
Part 2
Communication Tools
The Three Voices
Part 3
Putting it Together
Practice Scenarios
Part 4
Taking Action
Your Personal Goal
MODULE 1:
The Expert on Me
My Strengths
"What am I good at?"
Being organized
Helping others
My sense of humor
Working hard
My Needs
"What helps me succeed?"
Quiet workspace
Extra time to talk
Written instructions
Visual reminders
MODULE 2:
Communication
Finding Your Assertive Voice
🐭
The Mouse
Passive
"It's okay, I don't need anything..."
🦁
The Lion
Aggressive
"Give me what I want right now!"
👤
The Human
Assertive
"I have a right to ask for what I need."
The "I" Statement Tool
1
I feel... [your emotion]
2
When... [the situation]
3
I need... [specific request]
"I feel overwhelmed when there is too much noise, and I need to move to a quiet area."
Break Time
15 Minutes — Stand up, stretch, and hydrate!
MODULE 3:
Practice
The Advocacy Triple-Check
1
ASK
State what you need clearly and politely.
2
EXPLAIN
Share why this help is important for you.
3
CONFIRM
Make sure the other person understands.
Taking Action
Think of one thing you want to change or ask for this week.
Goal Blueprint:
Voice Power Workbook VOICE POWER
My Advocacy Blueprint
Student Name
Part 1: The Expert on Me - Strengths
I am the expert on my own life. These are things I am good at, things I enjoy, and things I am proud of.
List your strengths here:
Part 1: The Expert on Me - Needs
To be my best and do my best, I sometimes need a little extra support. These are things that help me succeed:
Example: "I need written instructions" or "I need a quiet place to work."
Part 2: Finding My Assertive Voice
During the role-play, how did each voice feel? Which one was the most effective at getting what you needed?
🐭
The Mouse (Passive)
I felt...
🦁
The Lion (Aggressive)
I felt...
👤
The Human (Assertive)
This is the goal!
I felt...
My "I" Statement Practice
I feel...
When...
I need...
Part 3: Putting it Together
Ask-Explain-Confirm Practice
1
ASK: What am I asking for?
2
EXPLAIN: Why is it important?
3
CONFIRM: How will I check they understand?
My Action Plan
This week, my goal is:
Example: "I will tell my neighbor that I need them to turn down their music after 10 PM."
Who will help me?
When will I do it?
BLUEPRINT COMPLETE
Voice Power Scenario Cards Scenario Practice Cards
Practice your assertive voice in different situations.
How to use:
Choose a card. The facilitator plays the "Other Person." The student uses their Assertive Voice and the Ask-Explain-Confirm steps.
Workplace
Your boss gives you a list of 10 tasks to do by the end of the day. You know you only have time for 5.
"I need to prioritize my work so I do it correctly."
Card #1
Medical
The doctor is talking very fast and using big words. You are confused about what medicine to take.
"I need you to slow down and explain that again."
Card #2
Public Place
You are at a restaurant. Your order is wrong, but the waiter is very busy and hasn't come back.
"Excuse me, I need to speak with you about my meal."
Card #3
Social
A friend wants to go to a movie that is too loud for you. You want to see them, but not there.
"I'd love to see you, but that movie will be too loud for me. Can we go for a walk instead?"
Card #4
Transportation
The bus driver forgot to call out your stop. Now you are in an area you don't know.
"I missed my stop because it wasn't announced. I need help getting back."
Card #5
Home
Someone you live with keeps coming into your room without knocking. You want more privacy.
"I need you to knock before coming in. It helps me feel safe."
Card #6
General
You are in a meeting and someone is talking for you. They are saying things that aren't true.
"Wait, I would like to speak for myself. That isn't exactly how I feel."
Card #7
Workplace
A coworker keeps finishing your sentences or explaining things to you like you're a child.
"I can explain this myself, thank you. I need you to listen while I finish."
Card #8
Workplace Focus
Workplace
Your work area is right under a loud fan and bright lights. It's making it very hard to focus.
"I'm having trouble focusing because of the noise. I need to move or use headphones."
Card #9
Workplace
Your supervisor gave you feedback in a quick hallway talk. You're worried you'll forget the details.
"I want to make sure I do this right. Can you please send those notes to me in an email?"
Card #10
Workplace
A new task requires you to stand for 4 hours. You need to be able to sit down periodically to rest.
Voice Power Exit Ticket EXIT TICKET
Voice Power Session
My Name
Today's Date
1. What is the most important thing you learned today?
2. How confident do you feel using your "Assertive Voice"?
Not Ready
Getting There
Confident
I've Got This!
3. What is one situation where you will use Voice Power this week?
4. What part of today was most helpful for you?
Your Voice is Your Power
Thank you for your hard work today!
Voice Power Rights and Stories Reading Guide Know Your Rights
The ADA and You
What is the ADA?
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is a civil rights law. It makes sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and chances as everyone else.
1. Rights at Work
Employers cannot treat you differently because of your disability. If you can do the job, you have a right to work.
2. Rights in Public
Places like stores, parks, and restaurants must be accessible. This includes ramps, wide doors, and clear signs.
3. Rights to Communicate
You have a right to understand information. This might mean having a sign language interpreter or documents in large print.
Reasonable Accommodations
An "accommodation" is a change to a rule or the environment that helps you do your work or use a service. It is your right to ask for these.
Common Examples:
Flexible work hours
A quiet workspace
Assistive technology
Service animals
Your Role:
You must ask for an accommodation. You are responsible for speaking up about what you need.
Success Story: Sam at Work
Read this story to see how Sam used his Voice Power.
"Sam works at a grocery store. His job is to stock the shelves. Lately, the store has been very busy. There are many loud announcements on the speaker and lots of people talking. Sam was feeling very overwhelmed and stressed."
Sam remembered his Voice Power training. He knew he was the expert on what he needed. He decided to talk to his manager, Maria.
What Sam Said:
Ask: "Maria, I need to talk about my work area. Can I use noise-canceling headphones while I stock?"
Explain: "The store is very loud today. The noise makes it hard for me to focus on my job. Headphones would help me stay calm and work faster."
Confirm: "Is that okay with you? Can we try it today and see how it goes?"
Maria listened to Sam. She didn't realize the noise was such a big problem for him. She said yes! Sam felt much better. He was proud of himself for speaking up.
Let's Talk About Sam:
What was the barrier for Sam?
How did Maria react when Sam asked for help?
What is one thing Sam did well?
Voice Power Community Scenario Cards Community Advocacy Cards
Practice speaking up in your neighborhood and community.
Community Focus:
Self-advocacy isn't just for work or doctors. It's for everywhere you go!
Banking
You see a fee on your bank statement that you don't understand. The bank teller says, "That's just the policy."
"I don't understand this charge. I need you to explain what it is for and how I can avoid it in the future."
Card #13
Voting
You go to vote, but the voting machine is too high for your wheelchair. The poll worker tells you to come back later.
"I have a right to vote today. I need an accessible machine or a table lowered so I can reach the ballot."
Card #14
Library
You want to find books about a specific hobby, but the computer system is hard for you to navigate.
"I'm having a hard time using this computer. Can you help me search for books about [Hobby]?"
Card #15
Safety
A police officer stops you to ask questions. You are feeling nervous and it's hard to find your words.
"I have a disability that makes it hard to talk when I'm nervous. I need you to be patient while I answer."
Card #16
Peer & Friend Scenarios
Advocating with the people closest to you.
Friends
A friend keeps asking to borrow money, but they haven't paid you back the last two times.
"I can't lend you money today. I need to make sure I have enough for my own bills."
Card #17
Social
Your group of friends always picks the same restaurant, but you don't like the food there.
"I'd like to go somewhere else today. Can we try [New Place] instead?"
Card #18
Independence
A family member is trying to do your laundry for you, but you want to learn to do it yourself.
"I appreciate the help, but I want to do this myself so I can learn. Please just watch and help if I get stuck."
Card #19
Your Own
Where is one place in your neighborhood where you want to be more assertive?
Card #20
Voice Power Cheat Sheet Handout Voice Power Cheat Sheet
Keep this in your bag or on your phone to remember your tools!
1. Use Your Assertive Voice
👤
The Human Voice
Calm, clear, and firm. You speak up for your rights while being respectful.
2. The "I" Statement Formula
I feel [my emotion]
When [the situation]
I need [my request]
3. Ask - Explain - Confirm
Step 1
ASK
State the need
Step 2
EXPLAIN
Why it helps
Step 3
CONFIRM
Check in
My Support Person
If you are struggling to be heard, call your support person:
Name
Phone Number
Voice Power Toolkit • Instructional Handout