Voice Power Warm Up Voice Power Warm Up
Thinking about your voice
Student Name
Date
Word Spark
When you hear the term Self-Advocacy, what are the first three words or phrases that pop into your head?
Speak Up or Stay Silent?
Check the boxes for situations where you think someone should definitely speak up for themselves.
A teacher forgets to provide the extra time you are supposed to have for a test.
You are at a store and the cashier accidentally gives you too much change back.
A friend makes a joke about disabilities that makes you feel uncomfortable.
You feel like you're ready to start doing your own laundry at home without help.
Your boss asks you to work late on a day you have a doctor's appointment.
The movie theater doesn't have the assistive listening device they promised.
My Advocacy Meter
How comfortable do you feel speaking up for what you need right now? Mark your spot on the line below.
Not at all A little Somewhat Very Confident
What is one thing you hope to learn about speaking up for yourself?
Advocate Path Reading The Power of Your Voice
A Guide to Understanding Self-Advocacy
What is Self-Advocacy?
At its simplest, self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. It is the ability to communicate your needs, interests, and rights to others. It isn't just about complaining when things go wrong; it’s about making sure you have the tools and support you need to succeed in all areas of your life.
To be a good self-advocate, you need to know three things:
1 Yourself: What are your strengths? What do you struggle with? What do you need to do your best work?
2 Your Rights: What laws protect you? What are you legally entitled to at school or on the job?
3 The Goal: What exactly do you want to happen? How can someone help you reach that goal?
Why Does It Matter?
Imagine you are building a bookshelf, but you don't have a screwdriver. If you don't tell anyone, the bookshelf will never get built. Speaking up is like asking for that screwdriver. When you advocate for yourself, you take control of your future. It builds your independence and shows people that you are responsible and ready for more challenges.
Advocacy Everywhere
At Home
Asking parents for more independence or explaining why you want to try a new hobby or responsibility.
In School
Reminding a teacher about your IEP accommodations, like extra time on a test or sitting near the front.
In the Community
Asking for help at a library, requesting a ramp at a store, or ordering your own food at a restaurant.
In the Workplace
Asking for a quiet workspace or clear written instructions from your boss to help you stay organized.
How Do You Advocate?
Effective advocacy is about how you say it. It’s not about being loud or angry; it’s about being clear and respectful. Use "I" statements to explain what you need. For example: "I learn better when I have a printed copy of the notes. Could I have a copy for today's lesson?"
Circles of Advocacy Worksheet 1 Circles of Advocacy
Worksheet 1: Places to Speak Up
Voice Power Unit
Name
Date
Instructions: Based on "The Power of Your Voice" reading, we can advocate for ourselves in many different settings. For each "circle" below, write one thing you might need to speak up about in that specific area of your life.
At Home
Example: Telling my parents I want to choose my own clothes for school.
At School
Example: Asking my teacher to repeat a question I didn't hear.
In the Community
Example: Asking a store clerk where the elevators are located.
At Work
Example: Asking my boss for a written list of my daily tasks.
Which of these "circles" feels the easiest for you to speak up in? Why? The Why Factor Worksheet 2 The Why Factor
Worksheet 2: Why Advocacy Matters
Voice Power Unit
Name
Date
"When you advocate for yourself, you take control of your future."
1. What does "taking control of your future" mean to you?
2. Benefits of Speaking Up
Circle the top 3 benefits you think are the most important for someone your age.
Better Grades
Feeling Independent
Less Stress
More Confidence
Being Prepared
Job Success
3. The Cost of Silence
The reading mentioned the example of building a bookshelf without a screwdriver. What happens to a student who needs extra time on a test but never asks for it?
My Big "Why"
Write one goal you have for the future that will require you to be a strong self-advocate.
Action Words Worksheet 3 Action Words
Worksheet 3: The Language of Advocacy
Voice Power Unit
Name
Date
Mastering "I" Statements
A good advocacy statement has three parts: The Fact (what you notice), the Need (what you require), and the Request (what you want the other person to do).
I notice...
I need...
Could you...?
Practice Power
Rewrite these "weak" statements into strong "I" statements using the formula above.
Weak Statement:
"I can't hear you. You talk too fast."
Strong Advocacy Statement:
Weak Statement:
"This room is too loud. I can't work."
Strong Advocacy Statement:
Weak Statement:
"You forgot my extra time again."
Strong Advocacy Statement:
My Advocacy Word Bank
Which of these words or phrases feel most natural to you? Circle your favorites.
"I would appreciate..." "Would it be possible to..." "To be successful, I need..." "Could we try..." "I'm struggling with..." "Helpful strategy"
Goal Getter Worksheet 4 Goal Getter
Worksheet 4: My First Advocacy Step
Voice Power Unit
Name
Date
Where am I now?
Think about your current self-advocacy skills. What is one thing you are already good at when it comes to speaking up?
The Small Step Plan
1. Identify the Setting:
Where do you want to practice advocacy this week? (Home, a specific class, a store, etc.)
2. Identify the Need:
What is one specific thing you need in that setting?
3. Plan Your Statement:
Write out your "I" statement here so you are ready to use it.
What's stopping you?
Sometimes speaking up is hard because we are nervous or afraid of how others will react. What is one way you can stay brave when you advocate for yourself?
My Signature of Commitment
ADA Shield Slides Law & Liberty
The ADA Shield
Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act and your legal rights.
What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that was passed in 1990.
Its goal is to make sure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Think of it as a Shield:
It protects you from discrimination in public places, at school, and at work.
Where does the ADA protect you?
Employment
Employers cannot refuse to hire you just because of a disability. They must provide "reasonable accommodations."
Public Spaces
Stores, restaurants, parks, and buses must be accessible (ramps, wide doors, service animal access).
Communication
Government services and businesses must provide ways for people with hearing or vision loss to communicate.
The Big Term: Accommodations
An accommodation is a change in the environment or the way things are done to help a person with a disability participate.
Extra time on a work task
A screen reader for a computer
Permission to have a service dog
Who Protects You and When?
School (IEP)
Protected by the IDEA law. School is responsible for finding you and giving you services until you graduate.
Focus: Success in learning.
Work & Beyond (ADA)
Protected by the ADA. YOU are responsible for identifying yourself and asking for what you need.
Focus: Equal access and opportunity.
Key Fact: Once you graduate, the ADA becomes your primary shield!
Your "Shield" List
01
Right to Privacy
You do not have to tell an employer about your disability unless you are asking for an accommodation.
02
Right to Disclosure
You can choose when to disclose your disability (during the interview, after hiring, or never).
03
Right to Non-Retaliation
An employer cannot punish or fire you just because you asked for your legal rights.
ADA Rights Quiz ADA Knowledge Check
Assessment: The ADA Shield
Student Name
Date
Part 1: Multiple Choice
1. What does ADA stand for?
American Disability Association
Americans with Disabilities Act
Active Disability Advocacy
2. Which of these is an example of an "accommodation"?
A wheelchair ramp at a public library
A free meal at a restaurant
Extra money for school supplies
3. When does the ADA protect you?
Only while you are in K-12 school
Only when you are at home
At work, in public spaces, and for communication
Part 2: True or False
You must tell an employer about your disability during an interview.
True False
An employer can fire you for asking for extra time on a project.
True False
Public buses are required to be accessible under the ADA.
True False
Part 3: Written Response
Explain why it is important to know about the ADA before you graduate from high school.
Rights in Action Scenarios Rights in Action
Scenario Cards: What would you do?
School Setting
"The Fast Teacher"
Your science teacher talks very fast. Your IEP says you should get a copy of the lecture notes, but the teacher forgot to bring them today.
The Challenge:
Write a respectful "I" statement to ask for the notes or a solution.
Work Setting
"The Interview"
During a job interview, the manager asks, "So, do you have any medical problems or disabilities we should know about?"
The Challenge:
Is this question allowed under the ADA? Why or why not?
Community Setting
"The Theater"
You go to a movie theater. Your friend needs a wheelchair-accessible seat, but the theater says those seats are all full of boxes.
The Challenge:
What is the first step you would take to advocate for your friend?
Home Setting
"Independence Day"
You want to start doing your own laundry, but your parents say you'll just make a mess and it's easier if they do it for you.
The Challenge:
Explain to your parents why it's important for you to learn this skill.
Final Reflection
Pick one scenario above. If the person chose not to advocate for themselves, what would happen next? How would it affect their future?
Scripting Success Role Play Cards Scripting Success
Practice makes perfect. Role-play these advocacy moments.
Script A: The Teacher Talk 2 Players
Setup:
You are in class. The teacher gives a 10-minute quiz, but your IEP says you get 20 minutes. You need to speak up before the quiz starts.
Student:
"Excuse me, [Teacher Name]? I noticed this quiz is set for 10 minutes. According to my IEP, I am supposed to have extra time to finish my work."
Teacher:
"Oh, I'm sorry! I'm in a bit of a rush today. Can't you just try to finish it in 10 minutes this one time?"
Student:
"I understand you're busy, but I really need that extra time to show what I know. Could we set a timer for 20 minutes for me, or can I finish it in the resource room?"
Script B: The Workplace Request 2 Players
Setup:
You work at a grocery store. It is very loud, and you are having trouble focusing on stocking shelves. You need to ask for noise-canceling headphones.
Employee:
"Hi [Boss Name], do you have a quick minute? I wanted to talk about a way I can work more efficiently."
Boss:
"Sure, what's up? Are you having trouble with the shelves?"
Employee:
"I'm actually finding the noise a bit distracting, which slows me down. I'd like to use noise-canceling headphones while I stock. It would help me stay focused and work faster. Is that an accommodation we can make?"
Why do these scripts work?
Calm Tone
Clear Need
Solution-Focused
Advocacy Showdown Game Board ADVOCACY SHOWDOWN
A Game of Rights & Resolve
Roll a die to advance. Answer the square to stay.
START
01
Define "Self-Advocacy" in your own words.
02
Home
Name one chore you want to do on your own.
03
What does the ADA shield protect you from?
04
School
How do you ask for extra time on a test?
POWER MOVE Jump to 10!
06
True/False: Employers can refuse to hire you because of a disability.
07
Work
What is a "Reasonable Accommodation"?
SILENCE PENALTY Back 2 Spaces!
09
What is the difference between an IEP and the ADA?
10
Community
A store has no ramp. What do you do?
11
Can you choose when to tell a boss about your disability?
12
Language
Start a sentence with: "I need..."
13
What do you do if a teacher says "No" to your IEP request?
LEGAL WIN Roll again!
15
Name three rights you have under the ADA.
16
School
Who is in charge of your advocacy after high school?
FINISH
Goal
Be the first to reach the FINISH line by correctly answering advocacy questions and navigating challenges.
Turn
Roll a die. Move that many spaces. To stay on the space, you must give a correct or meaningful answer to the prompt.
Advice
Work together! If a player is stuck, other players can offer "Advocacy Advice" to help them find the right answer.
Resolution Roadmap Non-Compliance Resolution Roadmap
What to do when accommodations are not being met.
The Problem: Non-Compliance
Sometimes, even after you ask for an accommodation, a teacher or a boss might forget, refuse, or say "no." This is called non-compliance. The law is on your side, but you need a plan to solve the problem.
1
The Respectful Reminder
Assume they just forgot. Remind them privately after class or in an email.
"Hi [Name], I noticed I didn't get my extra time on the quiz today. My IEP requires this accommodation. Can we figure out a time for me to finish it?"
2
Start Your Paper Trail
If the reminder doesn't work, start writing everything down. Keep a log of when you asked and what the response was.
Date & Time
What Happened
Who You Talked To
3
Bring in Back-up
Talk to someone with more authority. In school, this is your Case Manager or Counselor. At work, this is Human Resources (HR).
"I have tried to talk to [Name] about my accommodations, but they are not being followed. I need help resolving this."
4
The Legal Route
If all else fails, you or your parents can file a formal complaint or request a meeting to discuss legal non-compliance.
Practice Scenario: If a boss told you "We don't do accommodations here," which step on the roadmap would you use next? Why? Independence Blueprint Worksheet Independence Blueprint
Home Advocacy & Growing Up
Student Name
Date
What do I want to do on my own?
Independence means doing things for yourself without being asked or helped. Choose one area you want to take more charge of at home.
Cooking / Meals
Laundry / Cleaning
Managing Money
Morning Routine
My specific independence goal is:
The "Why" for Parents
Sometimes parents help too much because they love you and want to make life easy. To advocate for independence, you need to explain why doing it yourself helps you grow.
Sentence Starters for Home Advocacy:
"I appreciate that you help me with [Task], but I'd like to try doing it on my own because..."
"If I can learn to do [Task] now, it will help me when I live on my own because..."
The Compromise
If your parents are worried you aren't ready, suggest a "learner's permit" period. What is a way you can prove you are ready for this responsibility?
I will talk to my parents on:
Choose a specific day and time this week.
Voice Power Final Test Voice Power Final Test
Unit Assessment: Self-Advocacy & The ADA
Student Name
Date
Part 1: Vocabulary Match
Write the letter of the correct definition next to each term.
1. Self-Advocacy
2. Accommodation
3. The ADA
4. Disclosure
5. Non-compliance
A. A change that helps a person with a disability participate equally.
B. Choosing to tell an employer about your disability.
C. Speaking up for your own needs and rights.
D. When an agreed-upon accommodation is not followed.
E. A civil rights law that protects people from discrimination.
Part 2: Scenario Analysis
"Mark works at a restaurant. He has an ADA accommodation to take a 5-minute break every two hours to manage his energy levels. His boss says he can't take breaks today because it's too busy."
A. Is this a violation of Mark's rights? Why?
B. What is the first thing Mark should say to his boss?
Part 3: Life After High School
Describe two major differences in how advocacy works in high school versus how it works in the workplace or college.
Essay Question: The Shield of Advocacy
How has your understanding of self-advocacy changed during this unit? Why do you think being a strong advocate will help you be more independent at home, school, and work?
Voice Power Cool Down Reflection VOICE POWER COOL DOWN
End of Unit Reflection
3 Things I learned about my rights:
2 Situations where I feel more confident speaking up:
1 Advocacy goal I have for next month:
How do you feel about your "Voice Power" now?
🌱
Just Starting
🌿
Growing
🌳
Strong
"Your voice is your most powerful tool. Keep using it."
