DSPS 44: Self-Advocacy

DSPS 44: Self-Advocacy is a course based upon the doctoral research of Janet Shapiro, Ed.D., Coordinator of Disabled Student Progams & Services at Santa Barbara City College. Three skill objective areas were defined by disability experts in the field: informational, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

 

DEFINITION of SELF-ADVOCACY:

Self-advocacy is the process of actively developing intrapersonal and interpersonal skills and acquiring information to effectively support or promote a cause, an idea, or a policy on one's own behalf, while preserving the dignity of oneself and others.

 

Topic questions covered in the Self-Advocacy course include the following:

What is self-advocacy and why is it important?

What skills do I need to be a successful self-advocate?

What are the key concepts of disability laws and civil rights?

How do self-esteem and self-efficacy enhance self-advocacy?

What roles do assertiveness and risk taking play in self-advocacy?

How do I distinguish between assertive and aggressive behavior?

How do I identify and use resources to help me with self-advocacy?

How do I identify and use the support of mentors and role-models?

How does the identification of my strengths and learning styles help me with self-advocacy?

How does understanding and coming to terms with my disability help me with self-advocacy?

What compensatory strategies should I practice?

What reasonable accommodations would benefit me?

How do I establish goals, plans, and realistic career choices?

How do I communicate and negotiate for my employment needs?

How is problem solving important in meeting difficult challenges?

What is my evaluation of my own self-advocacy practice?

 

The answers to these questions are discussed in the class, which also serves as a peer support group for students with disabilities pursing college goals.

 

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