Empowering Your Teen to Self-Advocate

As parents of teens with learning disabilities (LD), we know the importance of advocating for our children and knowing their legal rights. We work to make sure that their needs are met by the school system. We have learned to speak up and research new laws. We know to ask the right questions. We are skilled in clearly sharing our kids’ needs with others. Now it’s our job to educate our children to do this for themselves.

By the age of 16, our teens are invited to take part in creating their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and 504 plan. This is a great way for teens to build self-advocacy skills. But they have to know what their needs are and how to share them. The following are three main advocacy skills that we must teach to all our kids–with and without disabilities:

• Knowing their strengths and needs - When our kids realize their strengths, challenges, and limitations, they are able to speak about them. They can assist and guide their teachers, counselors, and all the professionals responsible for assisting and guiding them.
• Knowing what their rights are - Kids who have been identified with a learning disability may be protected under federal law. They must know what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides for them. This knowledge is the basis for strong advocacy.
• Clear communication - Our teens must learn to speak up! They must have confidence in talking with educators about their needs, frustrations, and challenges. They must understand they have the right to speak and be heard. And know that changes may be made once their needs are heard. Having strong communication skills will open many doors for them as they transition into adulthood.

We must teach our kids the tools they need for independence. And how to use them. Then and only then are we preparing them to advocate for themselves.