Self Advocates Becoming Empowered with Autism NOW April 10, 2012

8/2/2019 Self Advocates Becoming Empowered with Autism NOW April 10, 2012

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People Taking Responsibility for

Advocacy in their own Lives

Self-Advocates Becoming EmpoweredApril 10, 2012Facilitated by Max Barrows


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Presenters

Chaqueta

StuckeySouth Carolina

Bryon

MurrayUtah

Ryan

DuncanwoodCalifornia

Eric Treat

Arkansas

Anne Fracht

Massachusetts

Clint Perrin

New York


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Hmmm.who is the boss in your life? It isamazing how many self-advocates lead the

way by speaking up to legislators andserving on boards. But when you take acloser look, you may be surprised at whatyou see. When it comes to your life, areyou really in charge? Many peer leaders doan excellent job speaking up for others butare reluctant to ask for support to make

changes in their own lives. Thispresentation will include stories from peerleaders who have found ways to deal withthis issue.


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1. Could you share a time in your life where youwere hesitant to speak up for yourself?

Individual Education Plan (IEP)meetings in high school.

Asking for an accommodation on

the job from the Boss. When I got services, I felt

overpowered by the agencies.

I was scared about my support staff;I didnt know who I was.

When people look at me with my

disability, they think I dont know

anything.


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2. Tell me about a time you feltreally frustrated, or

uncomfortable while speakingup for yourself.

Asking my parents for more freedom riding my bike

into town by myself. Speaking in meetings where there are lots of

professionals present.

When I worked in law enforcement, it was hard to be

taken seriously by the other cops, because of my

disability.

When I ran for the SABE Board, the state DD director

didnt believe it when I got home; that was frustrating.


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3. Why is it easier sometimes to just continue tolet other people make decisions for you?

Because it takes more energy to disagree.

I hate having conflicts with people in

general. I fear that what I say will come back

negatively

Its easier to not go through the hassle

People argue with you because they thinkthey know best

Because you dont need to think about it,

you dont have to take the time or effort.


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4. Who has made decisions for you that couldotherwise have been made for yourself?

Parents

Teachers

Work supervisors Disability Professionals

Self-Advocacy group Advisors

Other family members

Support workers


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5. What about team meetings where you have aplace at the table. What makes it hard to ask

for what you want in these meetings?

Sometimes it is hard to know exactly

what you want.

Feeling uncomfortable about howpeople may react to what you ask for.

The process of asking for things for

myself; its just hard.

The agencies felt like they had controlover you; I didnt feel like they

listened to me. They had the power

and said: This is the plan, go by it.


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6. Where is the pressure coming from when its hard to speak upfor yourself? Are you worried about how other people may seeyou, or are you worried about how you see yourself? Or both?

When meeting with professionals, I worry about how

what I say may be heard. (I want to sound like I

belong there).

From inside the group, your peers: you are afraid of

what might happen if you speak out. I worry about both, how others see me, and how I

see myself (low self esteem).

When I plan a night out with friends, it is sometimes

challenging to speak up for what I want, because Ifeel stuck between pleasing my friends and myself.

When I work with legislators, they think I dont know

what I am talking about.

I am worried more about how I say things and how

people hear it.


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7. How have you overcome those barriers? So, how do you moveout of your comfort zone (the place that is stress free andfeels comfortable) and into your courage zone (the place

where change and growth can happen, the place where you aretaking risks)?

I listen to my body to cue me toward a

direction, when I am not sure.

Talking to other people, such as peers

mentors, and sometimes parents.

Accepting who I am and what my disabilities

are; learning more about TBI.

Going to leadership trainings.

I educate myself by reading and studying alot about the issues, and about the people

Im going to talk with.

Pushing through; I tell myself that I need to

do it.


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8. How do you deal with fear of rejection or criticism ifyou speak up for yourself?

Try not to get stuck in your head by just

thinking in circles.

Try not to view criticism as only negative; try

to see why you might be getting thatfeedback.

I try to tell myself that I am not responsible

for other peoples response to me.

I get away to think about it; try to regroup. I try to push myself and face it; that if I dont

do it, it wont get done.

Having the right supports really helps.


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The National Resource & InformationCenter

Website:www.autismnow.org

Information & Referral Call Center:1-855-828-8476

SPECIAL WEBINAR:Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 2:00-3:00 PM, EDTFrom Numbers to Action: Understanding the New Autism

Prevalence Estimates & How YOU Can Help Families Take Action

PowerPoint/Recording:Email Phuong ([email protected] ) to request materials!
http://www.autismnow.org/http://www.autismnow.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.autismnow.org/http://www.autismnow.org/

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered with Autism NOW April 10, 2012

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