Self-Advocacy

A Conversation with Chester Finn

NYS OPWDD Special Assistant and Self-Advocacy Activist

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Video, Q&A
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

We spoke with Chester Finn at the YAI International Conference about his role as a pioneer in self-advocacy, and his vision for its future in the field of ID/LD.

Adaptive Design & Lifestyle Solutions Newsletter

Issue 5; Volume 3; May 2011

Topic: Leisure and Crafts, Teaching Techniques, Healthy Lifestyles, Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

The spring newsletter is filled with easy gardening activities. In this edition, get tips for modifying horticulture activities for different abilities and learn about the dream garden created at a YAI residence.

Addressing important issues for people with ID/DD

A Conversation with Dr. Temple Grandin

Topic: Challenging Behaviors, Counseling, Self-Advocacy, Staff Training
Format: Video, Q&A
Population: ASD
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

Our recent conversation with Dr. Temple Grandin centers around the sensory issues and the need to develop a person's area of strength.

Choice and Empowerment In-Service

A YAI Day Service Mandatory Training

Topic: Self-Advocacy, Staff Training
Format: Handout/Review Sheet
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

This Choice and Empowerment training teaches staff to help the people they work with to make real choices, become empowered and develop a stronger sense of self worth.

Communication

A Lesson Plan from "Ready...Set...Work!"

Topic: Self-Advocacy, Supported Employment
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning), Moderate

This unit teaches the tools of good communication including how to be a good listener, 3 Rules Before Speaking, conversation manners and nonverbal cues. The unit also teaches how to politely respond to directives from a supervisor and how to communicate assertively at work or at play.

Conflict Resolution

A Lesson Plan from "Ready...Set...Work!"

Topic: Self-Advocacy, Supported Employment
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning), Moderate

This unit, better known as "Arguing and Making Up," teaches consumers the critical skills of conflict resolution. It examines the differences between aggressive, passive and and assertive communication styles.

Cultivating Signature Strengths

From "The Art of Bouncing Back"

Topic: Counseling, Challenging Behaviors, Self-Advocacy
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Adult, Young Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning), Moderate

Cultivating Signature Strengths begins by introducing the learners to the concept of resiliency, the ability to bounce back from life\'s challenges. Using a simple tool, this lesson helps each individual examine his/her strengths and find ways to incorporate them more often into each day.

Dating

A Lesson Plan From "Social-Sexual Skills in the City"

Topic: Self-Advocacy, Relationships and Sexuality
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Young Adult, Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning)

The engaging activities in this lesson plan help participants identify what they're looking for in a romantic relationship and how these qualities are evident in behavior. They will learn how to date in a manner that is well planned, within their budgets, respectful and fun!

Dave Hingsburger: Putting the Self in Advocacy

Expert Tips & Challenges

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Tips and Challenges
Population: All
Age Group: Young Adult, Adult, Senior
Levels of Disability: All

Dave speaks to the Challenge that someone with a disability may experience in believing themselves capable of living their own life after having received various messages that other\'s know best. He discusses that people with disabilities can have a tendency of handing over to care providers that which truly belongs to them, and gives us some tips on how to encourage self advocacy, which Dave calls the core of competence, in those that we work with.

Feeling Good About Ourselves

A Lesson Plan from "Ready...Set...Work!"

Topic: Supported Employment, Counseling, Self-Advocacy
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning), Moderate

"Feeling Good" curriculum contains lesson plans and consumer worksheets for helping consumers build and project confidence.

In My Shoes

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Video
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

In My Shoes" is a training for YAI staff that was developed by and is provided by adults who participate in YAI’s Self-Advocacy Association, and is used to open the training session. It has received special recognition by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Self Advocacy Association of NYS.

Me, Myself, & I

A Lesson Plan from Social-Sexual Skills in the City

Topic: Relationships and Sexuality, Self-Advocacy
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Adult, Young Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning)

This lesson tackles the complex issues of pride and self worth. Through creative exercises, the learners will identify many of the skills, talents, traits and characteristics that they possess.

Relaxation Techniques

Topic: Challenging Behaviors, Self-Advocacy, Counseling
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning), Moderate

Are you relaxed yet? This lesson plan takes you step-by-step through the process of leading a relaxation group seated in chairs.

S.H.A.R.E. ~ Supporting Helpful & Rewarding Experiences

A Volunteer Training Program

Topic: Community Inclusion, Self-Advocacy
Format: Manual
Population: All
Age Group: Young Adult, Adult, Transition, Senior
Levels of Disability: Moderate, Mild (high functioning)

Individuals with intellectual disabilities typically are recipients of mentoring experiences but have few opportunities to be nurturers themselves. The SHARE Volunteer Program develops the strengths and interests of those who enjoy social contact enabling them to serve as effective volunteers. The comprehensive guide highlights each step of the volunteer selection and training process including finding volunteer sites, matching volunteers with jobs as well as social and task skill development.

Self-Management

Relaxation Techniques

Topic: Counseling, Self-Advocacy, Teaching Techniques
Format: Lesson Plan
Population: All
Age Group: Adult
Levels of Disability: Mild (high functioning), Moderate

Often people with IDD have not learned how to relax when dealing with sadness, anxiety, anger and other emotions that cause stress. This training program teaches several relaxation techniques.

The Beverage Choice Board

Topic: Teaching Techniques, Self-Advocacy
Format: Teaching Tool
Population: All
Age Group: School Age, Adolescent, Young Adult, Adult
Levels of Disability: Severe, Profound (low functioning)

This beverage choice board is a tool you will want to use daily to help the adults you work with make independent drink choices. Easy-to-follow instructions so you can create this board for your group!

Tom Ott, LCSW on Self-Advocacy

Expert Tips & Challenges

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Tips and Challenges
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

Tom Ott addresses the challenge of how to support, guide and assist people who are self-advocates rather than to lead and "do for" them. The challenges exist for both the person with the disability, and the support staff.

What Should I Wear Today?

Topic: Teaching Techniques, Self-Advocacy
Format: Teaching Tool, Game/Activity
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

Do the adults you work with have difficulty choosing clothing that meets weather needs? What Should I Wear Today? is a tool that teaches the learner to dress for the weather forecast. With this easy-to-make book, the learner

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 5: Spring/Summer 2010

Topic: Self-Advocacy, Community Inclusion
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

What is self advocacy? What do self advocates do? This newsletter has the recipe! Begin by tapping into community speakers for informative presentations. Add a visit to the Museum of disAbility. Stir in a moving account of job satisfaction. Finish with an exciting conference on Latino needs.

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 3; Fall 2009

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

YAI\'s vibrant self-advocacy group of adults with intellectual disabilities, now in its 11th year, shares insights, advocacy experience and ideas, as well as financial, recreational and artistic tips. Use this Newsletter to spearhead advocacy initiatives in your programs!

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 9: Summer 2011

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

The spring newsletter reports on many important state and national advocacy initiatives and accomplishments. Local news includes an exciting update on the campaign to erase the R word as well as the successful Self Advocacy Association of New York conference. National news includes the ongoing fight against the SSI marriage penalty and the monthly White House sponsored conference calls for advocates with disabilities. In addition, learn all about the upcoming Disability Mentoring Day and much, much more.

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 8: Spring 2011

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

Learn all about this national effort to launch careers in the spring newsletter. The newsletter is also filled with fascinating interviews. Read about the experience of a pioneer in the field of developmental disabilities.

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 4: Winter/Spring 2010

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

This newsletter written by the YAI/NIPD Self Advocates is both entertaining and informative. The spring edition includes articles about eliminating the "R" word, emergency preparedness, the marriage penalty and interviews with leaders in the field of the ID/DD.

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 6: Fall 2010

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

YAI's Self Advocacy Newsletter allows readers to view events and experience through the eyes of people with disabilities. The fall issue highlights a remarkable update on the "Erase the \'R\' Word" campaign. One of our reporters shares his experience viewing wheelchair and BEEP baseball. This issue also completes the series on emergency preparedness with practical advice from the NYC Fire Department. There is a wonderful story about the Amish community, seen through the eyes of one vacationing reporter. Finally, one reporter shares his experience and advice about how to transition into a supportive apartment.

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 10, Fall 2011

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

The fall newsletter is filled with exciting initiatives by and for self advocates. One reporter describes his informative experience at the OMRDD sponsored Mentoring Day where he had the opportunity to shadow the job he was interested in. Another article features an interview with a self advocate through a maze of institutions to his current happy situation.

YAI NYC Self Advocates Newsletter

Issue 7: Winter 2011

Topic: Self-Advocacy
Format: Newsletter
Population: All
Age Group: All
Levels of Disability: All

The YAI Self Advocacy Newsletter, published quarterly, is written by reporters with intellectual disabilities. The winter issue of the newsletter is filled with fascinating accounts of the Self Advocacy Conference in Albany. One story relates the moving experience of a woman's first time away from home. Other reporters describe the many interesting workshops at the conference and more

YAI Self-Government and Empowerment Philosophy

Developed by YAI Residential Training Committee

Topic: Self-Advocacy, Staff Training
Format: Handout/Review Sheet
Population: All
Age Group: Adult
Levels of Disability: All

The Self Government and Empowerment handout lists forums at YAI where consumers have an opportunity to voice concerns and ideas. The handout also contains many excellent ideas for establishing house rules and for planning and supporting effective meetings with consumers.