Page contents
- What is self-determination?
- Why is self-determination important?
- What is self-advocacy?
- Why is self-advocacy important?
- End of Module Questions
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What is self-determination?
The act of choosing your own purpose without outside influence
- The process of learning your strengths, weaknesses, preferences, learning styles and needs
- The power or ability to decide for yourself without outside influence
- The process by which you make judgements and decisions about your career
- Having a plan and taking control of your own working life.
Why is self-determination important?
Self-determination is important as it allows people to understand their strengths and preferences and have control over their choices and lives.
What is self-advocacy?
The act of representing oneself or one’s views or interests.
- You will understand your strengths and learning needs
- You will know how you best learn/work
- You will ask questions that help you and learn new skills
- You will use assertive communication
- You will speak up for yourself in the best way you can (verbal or written)
- You will have a say in decisions that affect you
- You will be involved in setting your own goals
- You will give feedback and tell us what you need
- You will seek support when you need it.
Why is self-advocacy important?
Learning self-advocacy skills is important because it helps you decide what you want and what is possible for you to expect.
Self-advocacy helps to empower you, to speak up for yourself and to make decisions about your life.
The Department of Social Services makes available a host of advocacy resources:
- Self-advocacy video (4.55 minutes)
End of Module Questions
In your workplace, what are some ways that you can advocate for yourself, in terms of:
- Requesting leave?
- Addressing concerns with a colleague?
- Having sensory needs met?