Self-Advocacy Resource Kit – Easy Read Guide
Written by Jenny Mathers | Principal Support Coordinator and Carer Advocate
What is in this guide
1. What is self-advocacy?
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. It means telling people what you need and making your own choices.
You have the right to choose
You are the boss of your life. You have the right to make decisions about your services and daily supports.
Being prepared gives you confidence
Writing down your facts and keeping your letters in order helps you feel calm during big meetings.
💡 Jenny’s Self-Advocacy Tip: You do not have to remember everything in your head. Practising your words beforehand makes talking to doctors, planners, and providers much easier.
2. The C.L.A.R.I.T.Y. steps for speaking up
You can use the word C.L.A.R.I.T.Y. to remember how to speak up clearly:
C – Clear Facts
Tell the facts simply. Explain what happened without blaming or arguing.
L – Lived Impact
Say how you feel or how your daily life is affected. Use “I” statements, like “I feel overwhelmed when…”
A – Ask Directly
Ask clearly for what you need. Do not make people guess.
R – Reward & Mutual Benefit
Explain why granting your request helps everyone work better together.
I – Intent Focus
Stay focused on your main goal. If people get distracted, repeat your calm request like a broken record.
T – Trustworthy & Steady Presence
Keep your voice steady and calm. Take deep breaths if you feel nervous.
Y – Yield to Flexible Solutions
Be open to working together on solutions, while keeping your main needs safe.
3. Practice worksheet: Planning your words
Use this simple form to practice what you want to say before your meeting:
4. Words that are hard to understand
- Self-advocacy: Speaking up for yourself and making your own choices.
- Boundary: A clear rule about what you will accept and what you will not accept.
- Causal agent: Being the person who takes action and directs your own life.
- Non-negotiable: Something that is essential to you and cannot be changed.