How to be a Self Advocate

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your voice is not heard, wings have been stepped on or your rights violated? That's what it takes to be a self advocate?

Such situations happen to everyone, whether you have a disability or not. however, people with disabilities tend to experience this on a regular basis.


There are important steps that will assist you in being who you are supposed to be or achieving what you want:

• Believing in your self; this includes knowing your worth and acknowledging that your disability is part of worlds diversity.
• Knowing your rights, benefits and responsibilities; knowing local, national and international laws that protect, promote and fulfill your rights like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
• Discussing your questions and concerns
• Put your concerns in writing
• Get information and decision in writing
• If that doesn't work use chain of command
• Follow up

PS: The above picture was taken during a self advocates workshop for youth with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Kijabe Kenya.

Happy new year to you all!