Your Voice Lesson Plan Your Voice, Your Job
Lesson Plan
Duration: 2 Hours
Adult Male with Disabilities
Why This Matters
This lesson is important because it empowers individuals to advocate for themselves in the workplace, fostering independence and job security.
Objective
To equip an adult male with disabilities with strategies for maintaining employment, assertively addressing workplace issues, and confidently communicating without fear of anger.
Approach
Interactive discussion, practical scenarios, and guided reflection.
Materials Checklist
Whiteboard or large paper & markers
Scenario cards (prepared)
Slide Deck & Teacher Script
Reading: "Speaking Up at Work"
Worksheet: "Workplace Communication"
Role-Playing Activity Scenarios
Job Confidence Journal
Quick Check Quiz & Final Test
Preparation (30 mins)
Review all lesson materials including slides, readings, and activities.
Prepare scenario cards by cutting out the prompts from the Role-Playing Activity.
Ensure physical copies of the worksheet, journal, quiz, and test are printed.
Set up the whiteboard/large paper for the Word Cloud warm-up.
Instructional Procedure
10 min Warm-up
Workplace Word Cloud
Ask the student what words come to mind when they think of their job. Create a visual word cloud on the board. Discuss associated feelings.
10 min Intro
Why Your Voice Matters
Use the slide deck to introduce the lesson goals. Discuss how communication helps maintain employment and safety.
20 min Reading
Speaking Up at Work
Independent or guided reading of the "Speaking Up" passage. Use the Discussion prompts to check for understanding and relate to personal experience.
30 min Activity
Role-Playing Scenarios
Use scenario cards to practice assertive communication. Focus on calm tones and "I" statements. Provide immediate constructive feedback.
20 min Practice
Communication Worksheet
Student applies strategies to written scenarios. Review together to reinforce key concepts.
15 min Reflect
Job Confidence Journal
Complete the first journal prompt. Discuss the link between identifying fears and using strengths to overcome them.
10 min Check
Quick Check Quiz
A brief assessment of the day's core communication principles.
25 min Wrap-up
Action Plan & Final Test
Create a specific goal for the coming week. Administer the final Workplace Confidence Test.
Your Voice Slide Deck Your Voice, Your Job
Empowering You to Succeed!
Self-Advocacy
Today's Goals
01
Learn how to keep your job and grow!
02
Practice speaking up when something isn't right.
03
Feel good about sharing your ideas with others.
Warm-Up: Your Job in Words
What words come to mind when you think about your job?
We'll create a word cloud together on the board!
Why Your Voice Matters
Your thoughts and feelings at work are important!
Speaking up helps you solve problems, makes your job better, and shows you're a valuable team member.
Solve Problems
Better Workplace
Team Value
How to Speak Up
The Right Way
Clear
Calm
Confident
It's not about being loud. It's about being heard.
Practice Time
Let's practice what to say and how to say it using real-life situations.
"This is a safe space to practice and try new things!"
1
Identify the Problem
2
Choose your "I" Statement
3
Stay Calm & Listen
Your Communication Plan
Think about different work situations and write down your own plan for speaking up.
Worksheet Time
Your Confidence Journal
This journal is just for YOU.
Write about your feelings
Celebrate your successes
Track what you want to practice
Quick Check!
Let's see what you've learned so far.
Your Plan for Success
Action Item:
What's one thing you will do differently at work this week?
"I will ask my manager for a 5-minute meeting on Friday to share my idea for the supply closet."
— Example Action
Show What You Know!
Time for the Workplace Confidence Test to see how much you've grown today.
You've Got This!
You have the power to make your job great.
Keep Practicing Your Voice!
Your Voice Teacher Script Your Voice, Your Job
Instructional Script
Slides 1 & 2
Introduction
Say to student:
"Hello! Today, we're going to talk about something really important for your job: 'Your Voice, Your Job.' It's all about empowering you to succeed at work."
"We'll be learning how to keep your job and grow, how to speak up when something isn't right, and how to feel good about sharing your ideas, even if others might have different opinions. This will help you have a happier and more secure job experience."
Slide 3
Warm-Up: Workplace Word Cloud
Say to student:
"Let's start with a warm-up. When you think about your job, what words come to mind? Don't worry about good or bad, just say whatever pops into your head. I'll write them down, and we'll create a 'word cloud' together."
[Wait for responses and write them on the board. Then ask...]
"Great! Now, looking at these words, what feelings do they bring up?"
Slide 4
Why Your Voice Matters
Say to student:
"It's important to remember that your thoughts and feelings at work are important. Speaking up helps solve problems, makes your job better, and shows everyone that you are a valuable team member. Your voice truly matters!"
Slide 5
How to Speak Up (The Right Way)
Say to student:
"Sometimes, people worry that speaking up means being angry or loud. But that's not it at all. Speaking up at work is about being clear, calm, and confident."
"It's about explaining what's on your mind in a way that others can understand and respect. We're going to read something that will help us understand this better."
Transition
Reading & Discussion
Say to student:
"Here is a reading called Speaking Up at Work Reading. You can read it quietly to yourself, or we can read it together, whichever you prefer. Take your time to really think about what it says."
[After reading, use the discussion prompts provided in the separate material.]
"Now that we've read this, let's have a discussion..."
Slide 6
Workplace Communication Scenarios
Say to student:
"Excellent discussion! Now, let's put some of these ideas into practice. We're going to do some role-playing with different work situations using these scenario cards."
"This is a safe space to try out what you might say. I'll give you a situation, and you can show me how you would talk about it. I'll give you some feedback and help you think through the best way to respond."
Slide 7
Workplace Communication Worksheet Workplace Communication
Putting it into Practice
Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. Then, write down what you would say or do to communicate effectively and respectfully in that situation. Think about the tips we discussed for speaking up clearly and calmly .
1
A Change in Your Schedule
Your manager changed your work schedule without telling you first. You noticed it when you checked the updated schedule.
What would you say or do?
2
Feeling Overloaded
You have been given a lot of tasks lately, and you feel like you can't finish them all on time. You're starting to feel stressed.
What would you say or do?
3
A Coworker's Habit
A coworker often leaves their dirty dishes in the breakroom sink, even though there's a sign asking everyone to clean up after themselves. It's bothering you and other team members.
What would you say or do to your coworker?
4
An Idea for Improvement
You've thought of a new way to organize the supply closet that you think would save time for everyone. You want to share your idea with your supervisor.
What would you say or do?
5
Unclear Instructions
Your supervisor gave you a new task, but some of the instructions were unclear, and you're not sure how to start. You feel a little embarrassed to ask again.
What would you say or do?
Speaking Up Reading Speaking Up at Work
Using Your Voice Calmly and Clearly
Sometimes at work, things happen that make us feel unsure, frustrated, or even a little worried. Maybe there's a problem with a task, a misunderstanding with a coworker, or you have a great idea you want to share.
It can be scary to speak up, especially if you worry about people getting mad. But using your voice clearly and calmly is a very important skill that helps you keep your job, feel respected, and make your workplace better.
Why is it hard?
• Fear of someone getting angry
• Fear of making a mistake
• Feeling like ideas won't matter
• Worry about losing your job
The Power of Your Voice
Solving Problems
Issues get fixed before they become bigger.
Improving Work
Your ideas can make your job easier.
Building Confidence
Each success makes you feel stronger.
Showing Care
Shows you are a responsible team member.
How to Speak Up Calmly and Clearly
1
Figure out the problem
Be specific about what is bothering you. Try: "The new way we stock shelves makes it hard to find items quickly."
2
Think about what you want
What is the goal? A change, an explanation, or just to be heard?
3
Choose the right time and place
Don't interrupt busy moments. Ask for a private talk. Try: "Could I schedule a short meeting with you later?"
4
Use "I" statements
Focus on your feelings and observations. This helps people listen without feeling blamed. Try: "I feel concerned when the door is left unlocked."
5
Be respectful and calm
Keep your voice steady. Take deep breaths. Listen as much as you speak!
"Your voice is a tool. When you learn to use it wisely, you become a more confident and valued part of your workplace."
Speaking Up Discussion Guide Speaking Up at Work
Discussion Guide
Discussion Prompts
Instructions: After reading "Speaking Up at Work," let's discuss these questions to deepen your understanding and share your thoughts. You can use the spaces below to write down key points from our conversation.
1 Can you think of a time at work when you felt something wasn't right, but you didn't say anything? What happened?
2 Which of the fears mentioned in the reading (angry people, mistakes, not being taken seriously) do you relate to the most?
3 The reading talked about "choosing the right time and place." Can you give an example of a good time vs. a bad time to talk to a manager?
4 The reading suggested "I" statements. Can you rephrase this: "You never tell me when you're going on break!"
5 What are some calm ways you can start a conversation when you have an idea to improve things?
6 How does speaking up, even in a small way, help you feel more confident at your job? Role Playing Scenarios Activity Role-Playing Scenario Cards
Speaking Up at Work
Teacher Instructions: Cut these into individual cards. Present a scenario to the student and have them practice using "I" statements, calm tones, and choosing a good time/place to respond. Provide modeling and feedback.
CARD 1
Missing Information
"You are given a new task, but the instructions are unclear and you are missing a key piece of info. You feel confused."
Goal: Get the info calmly.
CARD 2
Coworker Distraction
"A coworker is talking loudly on their phone about personal matters, making it hard to concentrate."
Goal: Ask them to lower their voice.
CARD 3
Scheduling Conflict
"You see the new schedule and you are working on a day you had requested off for an appointment."
Goal: Find a solution with your boss.
CARD 4
Unfair Distribution
"You feel like you are always given the harder tasks while your coworker gets the easy ones."
Goal: Discuss a balanced workload.
CARD 5
Suggesting Improvement
"You have an idea that you believe would save time and effort for the whole team."
Goal: Share your idea constructively.
CARD 6
Critical Feedback
"Your supervisor says you made a mistake. You feel embarrassed but want to learn how to improve."
Goal: Listen and ask for clarity.
My Action Plan Cool Down My Action Plan
Speaking Up with Confidence
Instructions: Think about everything we discussed today. What is one specific thing you will try to do or say differently in your workplace this week? Write down your plan below.
1 My Specific Action
What exactly will you do or say this week?
2 Potential Challenges & Solutions
What might make this hard? How will you handle it?
3 Why is this important to me?
How will this help you at work?
Action Plan: Workplace Confidence
Keep Using Your Voice!
Workplace Word Cloud Warm Up Workplace Word Cloud
Warm-Up Activity
Instructions: When you think about your job, what words come to mind? Say them out loud, and we will create a word cloud together in the space below. We will then discuss the feelings associated with these words.
Success Stress Teamwork Help Proud Paycheck Hard Work Friendship
Write student responses here to create a word cloud
Discussion Prompts
Looking at these words, what are some of the feelings that come up when you think about your job?
Are there any words here that make you feel happy or proud? Any that make you feel worried?
How do these words connect to how you use your voice at work?
Quick Check Quiz Quick Check Quiz
Name: _________________
1. What is not a good reason to speak up at work?
To solve a problem.
To make your job better.
To show you are angry.
To share a good idea.
2. When speaking up, it's best to be:
Loud and emotional.
Clear, calm, and confident.
Quiet and hope someone notices.
Angry and blame others.
3. Why is it important to use "I" statements (e.g., "I feel...") instead of "You" statements?
4. Before speaking up about an issue, what is a good first step?
Tell all your coworkers about it first.
Figure out exactly what the problem is or what your idea is.
Wait until you are very angry so you have more energy.
5. Name one situation at work where you would need to speak up.
Workplace Confidence Test Workplace Confidence Test
Final Assessment: Speaking Up & Self-Advocacy
Name: ____________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
1. Which of these is the MOST important reason to speak up at work?
To get your way all the time.
To avoid doing difficult tasks.
To solve problems and make your workplace better.
To make your coworkers listen to you.
2. You notice a safety hazard in your workplace. What is the BEST way to address it?
Ignore it and hope someone else sees it.
Yell loudly about it so everyone knows.
Tell your supervisor calmly and clearly about what you saw.
3. Describe a time when you found it difficult to speak up at work. What held you back?
4. When you want to talk to your manager about an issue, what is the best approach?
Interrupt them during a busy meeting.
Ask if they have a few minutes to talk privately at a convenient time.
Talk to your coworkers about it first and complain.
5. A coworker is consistently late. How would you phrase your concern using an "I" statement?
"You are always late, and it makes everyone angry."
"I get frustrated when you're late because it delays our team's work."
"Why can't you ever be on time?"
6. Imagine you have a new idea to improve a task at work. How would you prepare to share this idea with your supervisor?
7. What does it mean to be "calm and clear" when speaking up?
To speak in a very quiet voice so no one hears you.
To explain your thoughts in an easy-to-understand way, without getting emotional.
To argue your point until the other person agrees.
8. Why is listening to the other person important after you've spoken up?
Self-Reflection
9. I feel confident in my ability to speak up if there's an issue at my job.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
10. I am able to express my ideas at work without worrying too much about others getting mad.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Job Confidence Journal Job Confidence Journal
Your Personal Space for Growth
A Private Journal
This journal is a private space for you to reflect on your experiences, practice new ideas, and track your growth in confidence at work. Use it to write about your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Entry 1: Fears and Strengths
What is one fear you have about speaking up at work?
Example: Worrying about making someone angry...
What is one personal strength you have that can help you overcome this fear?
Example: Being a good listener or determined...
Entry 2: A Recent Success
Think about a time you spoke up or handled a situation well. What happened?
If you haven't spoken up recently, what is a small step you could take this week?
Entry 3: What I Want to Practice
What is one communication skill you want to practice more? (e.g., "I" statements)
How will you try to practice this skill? Be specific!
Entry 4: Reflecting on Feedback
How do you usually feel when you get feedback? How can you respond better?
What words can you use to ask for clarity if you don't understand feedback?
Confidence is built one word at a time.
