Video Description: On the left side of the white screen is a white and blue text: “What is Self-advocacy?” On the right shows a black woman with a bun wearing a pink shirt with a blue jean jacket is standing behind the trees and a brick building. The next slide shows a white and blue text: “How to self-advocate?” At the bottom of the slide show with a white and blue text: “Know your rights.” The next slide shows a white and blue text: How to self-advocate? At the bottom of the slide show with a white and blue text: “Educate others.” At the bottom of the slide show with a white and blue text: “Know who you dealing with.” At the bottom of the slide show with a white and blue text: “Do your research.” At the bottom of the slide show with a white and blue text: “Be understanding and considerate.” At the bottom of the slide show with a white and blue text: “Be flexible and patient.” The transcript is refer below:
Transcript:
What is self-advocacy?
“Self-advocacy is the ability to express one’s needs and make informed decisions about the support necessary to meet those needs.” (National Deaf Center)
How to self-advocate?
1. Know your rights
a. Your right to communication access is protected under American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws. It is important to understand these rights and where they apply. To learn more about ADA, go to the ada.gov website. Other important laws to be familiar with IDEA and section 504 of rehabilitation Act. Explain them what you need to have effective communication. Communication access is not a one size fits all solution for everyone; the degree of hearing loss, preferred mode of communication, environment, the ability to view the accommodation and assistive technology available all influence communication. Describe what your needs are and only you can take control of your life. They cannot decide for you.
2. Educate others
a. We cannot assume that other people are, familiar with legal obligations stated in the ADA or that people are familiar with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. As Deaf, HH, DB people, we face many challenges and communication barriers. Discrimination is a result of ignorance. Be prepare by having with information about legal obligations. MCDHH offers advocacy letters, educational resources and informative legal documents that can help you explain why you need accommodation. Take advantage of it!
3. Know who you are dealing with
a. Be aware of the nature of the place you are dealing with. Is it an as successful businesses, private businesses, healthcare, banks, federally funded agency, or religious organization? They may or may not have the same obligation to provide reasonable accommodations. Make sure you identify the management of the office, don’t bother to argue with someone who does not have the authority to provide accommodation. The person in authority will likely be familiar with legal requirements, potential accommodations and available resources for you. If your accommodation is denied, take it to the next step.
4. Do your research
a. To become successful at self-advocacy, take the time to learn your rights. The internet is very important source of information because it contains sites with facts and knowledge for personal, social and economic development. Make sure you rely on legit websites such as government websites. Be aware that different laws apply to similar situations.
5. Be understanding and considerate
a. To become successful at self-advocacy is to be understanding and considerate. Choose your battles wisely; educating and persuading approach. Be consistent and confident when self-advocating. Remember, don’t give up. Know that you are not alone in dealing with this kind of situation and you have support available.
6. Be flexible and patient
a. Being flexible and patient is important and showing that you are willing to consider other forms of accommodations if your specific request cannot be granted. Suppose is an alternative accommodation not effective, and you did your best within your power with everything you have done to obtain your rights to request reasonable accommodation. But your need was not met. It may be time to file complaint or see a lawyer [*reminder: You must keep record of everything you have to prove it and lawyers are costly but you may need to go this route to pave the way for others, if you can.]