Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

Making Your Own Decisions

Self-determination and self-advocacy go hand in hand. Together, they encompass the skills to set and achieve goals, solve problems on your own and operate independently. All of these are rooted in effective decision making, the key to which is taking the time to learn the facts and consider your options. 

You should never rush into making an important decision. This includes deciding to sign a contract. It is important to understand that generally, once you are 18, signing an agreement or contract makes it legally binding. You may not be able to cancel the agreement or contract, for instance, if there is not a clause that allows for cancellation. Different types of services (real estate, sales agreements, car purchases) have different rules. 

Federal as well as Florida laws offer some protection for consumers, with different rules applying to different types of transactions. When asked to sign something, read the document very carefully. If you do not understand something, you have the right to ask questions and/or have a trusted family member, friend, advocate or attorney review it with you before signing. If you are in a situation where you feel someone is trying to force you to sign something you do not understand or agree to, respectfully ask to stop the process. Request additional time and to take a copy of the document with you so that you can read it at your home. Do not sign a document if you feel pressured. 
Advocating for Your Needs

There will be many situations in which you will need to self-advocate, and learning to do so is a critical part of adult life, for people both with and without disabilities. To help, here are 10 tips to keep in mind:

1.  Believe in yourself!

2.  Know that you are entitled to equal rights under the law. 

• Learn your rights.
• Educate yourself with reliable information using libraries, the internet, email groups and social networking.
• Join peer-run, family and community support programs; use referral or crisis hotlines; join advocacy groups; and seek out service providers.
• Take free classes or workshops.
  • If you do not understand information or explanations provided, say so.
  • Ask for the information to be accessible and for reasonable accommodations, if needed, to participate.
    
    

3.    If you have questions and concerns, do not be afraid to bring them up!

• To help, prepare ahead of the meeting; write an outline of points you want to make and any questions you may have. Raise your questions and concerns by phone, in person or by sending a letter or email.
• Schedule a meeting.
• Dress for the occasion and be on time.
• Bring any support you may need, such as a friend, family member or advocate. 
• Remember to introduce yourself and anyone you bring with you and to use other people’s names to help clarify a point. 
  
  

4.   Be effective on the phone.

• Prepare key points ahead of time. 
• Write down your most important questions.
• Be clear and focused.
• Listen carefully to what others are saying.
• Write down each person’s name and position. 
• Ask when you can expect action or an answer.
• If the person you are talking to cannot help you, ask who can.
• Thank the person for being helpful!
• Keep a record of your call (time, date, who you spoke with and what they said).
• Follow up at the agreed upon date and time. 

5.   Put things in writing. (If it was not written down there is not proof it happened!)

• Send a letter or email to confirm what you think you heard is accurate. It is always best to have something in writing. 
• Include information that you think you agreed on.
• Keep it to the point; do not make it too long. 
• Begin and end by stating your request or concern.
  
  

6.  Get information and decisions in writing.

• If someone tells you something, ask them to put it in writing or send you documentation.
• Read the document, including all details and the “fine print.”
• If someone tells you something is a law, policy or procedure, ask for a copy.
• If you disagree with a decision, ask for it in writing, along with the reasons for the decision.
  
  

7.  Use the chain of command. 

• If you are not getting a straight answer, say “thank you” and ask to speak to someone who can address your concern. 
• Follow the chain of command to find the next supervisor or a different person who may be able to help you.
  
  

8.  Know your appeal rights and responsibilities.

• If you are not getting a satisfactory answer or decision, what then?
• Ask the person you are talking to what you need to do next to resolve the dispute or appeal the decision. 
• Find out the process to review decisions; most organizations and government agencies are required to have one in place.
• Request written information about the dispute resolution process. 

9.  Follow-up and say thank you.

• Thank people along the way. If you are polite, you are much more likely to succeed in getting the information you need to help yourself. 
• Remember to tell someone about individuals who helped you. They are employees and always benefit when someone says they did a good job.
  
  

10.  Ask for help if you need it.

If you need assistance resolving a dispute, contact Disability Rights Florida or another advocacy or community organization to request information or assistance.