News from LIFE, Inc.
A Center for Independent Living
Four Steps to Self Advocacy
- Identify the issue you need to resolve Know yourself and your disability: what are your strengths and preferences. Set a goal for your desired resolution: what are your needs and desires? Understand all the possible solutions: what will get you the results you need?
- Investigate the issue thoroughly Learn your rights and responsibilities: what legal and medical services are available? Keep yourself organized: what paperwork will help support your case? Clarify your desired outcome: what is most important to you and who is best to help?
- Create a Plan Focus on the problem and anticipate potential barriers: what do you need happen? And what are the next steps? Develop a list of action items: whom do you need to communicate with and when to stay ahead of the problem to prevent it getting worse? Create a timeline to complete your list: what is a reasonable schedule to complete each task?
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Take Action Be prepared with your goal in mind: what do you need for each task and what are the next steps. Use time wisely: how can you plan ahead and stay on track? Engage with confidence when asking for help: what are your questions and concerns? Keep good notes and stay grounded and open so you can respond to what comes up: how will you respond to new information? Stay focused and clear about solving your problem: ask others to problem solve with you and ask again and again.
Your local CIL is ready to help you with this process. Give us a call!
LIFE, Inc. – Living Independently for Everyone!
640 Pershing Ave Ste A, Pocatello ID 83204
(208) 232-2747 VOICE/TDD
(208) 232-2754 FAX
(800) 631-2747
725 Jensen Grove Dr, Blackfoot ID 83221
(208) 785-9648 VOICE
(208) 785-2398 FAX
250 S. Skyline Suite 1, Idaho Falls ID 83402
(208) 529-8610 VOICE
(208) 529-8610 TDD
(208) 529-6804 FAX
2311 Park Ave. Ste 7, Burley ID 83318
(208) 678-7705 VOICE
(208) 678-7771 FAX