Achieving Your Self-Advocacy Goals with Paraquad

We advocate for ourselves everyday — from asking a teacher for help to telling a server your order is wrong. Harnessing the power of your voice makes life feel controllable and instills you with confidence. Some may take this for granted, wondering: “Why is self-advocacy important?” Yet, for people with developmental disabilities, self-advocacy goals may take time to develop and achieve.

Paraquad helps adults with developmental disabilities further their independence — read on to learn more about self-advocacy and how joining local disability advocacy organizations like People First of St. Louis may help you or a loved one. 

What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy is an individual's ability to communicate, negotiate or assert their interests, needs and rights. In short, it’s a form of ability advocacy centered around speaking up for what you want or deserve — a valuable component of informed decision-making and personal responsibility. 

As you traverse adult life with a developmental disability, you’ll need to advocate for yourself in higher education, housing, employment, relationships and more. Maybe you’re a new college student who needs more accommodations in the classroom to help you succeed. Or a fellow employee has treated you unfairly in the workplace and you have to address their behavior with management. 

Whatever the case, establishing self-advocacy goals is the first step in securing your right to self-determination. Unfortunately, this may sometimes feel uncomfortable. Yet, positive change in your life starts with pushing past the discomfort of speaking up.

Tips for Your Self-Advocacy Goals 

Proficiency in your own ability advocacy doesn’t develop overnight. Instead, you must foster your skills by equipping yourself with knowledge and practicing them daily. For those living independently, local disability advocacy organizations may recommend that you: 

Practice positive self-talk. 

Simple statements like “I can do this” may substantially impact how we conduct ourselves. Talking to yourself positively builds confidence over time and allows you to believe in your abilities — especially when addressing challenges. 

Take a journey of self-discovery.

Self-advocacy requires a deeper understanding of yourself, your needs and your capabilities. You should know your strengths and limitations — from there, it becomes easier to navigate your rights and devise a plan to achieve your self-advocacy goals.

Explore solutions for your needs.

After your journey of self-discovery, you know what support may help you when you are struggling. Take the time to consider the challenges you face in the classroom, workplace and beyond — what would help you overcome these problems quicker?

Communicate your needs to others. 

You understand yourself the best — it’s your responsibility to guide others in how to best assist you. As challenges arise, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns and share what will best help you. By teaching others, you empower them to be more considerate and encourage them to participate in ability advocacy themselves.

Join People First of St. Louis 

People First is one of many disability advocacy organizations teaching self-advocacy skills. However, People First is led by people with developmental disabilities. Members work to promote equity and inclusion for all people with disabilities so they may integrate fully into society and live the life they want. 

The St. Louis chapter of People First works to ensure positive services, support systems and opportunities are available to all. Participants learn about their rights, explore their personal self-advocacy goals and advocate for meaningful participation in the community. More than that, members build one another up — increasing self-esteem and soft skills each person will carry throughout the rest of their lives.

All prospective participants must be 18 years old or older, have a developmental disability and reside in St. Louis City or County. For more information on joining People First of St. Louis, contact Rush Wilkerson at rwilkerson@paraquad.org.