Self-Advocacy Worksheet

How Strong is Your Self-Advocacy Game?

Choose the answer that best describes you for each question. After you answer the questions, use the scoring section below to review your results.

1. When I need help in class, I... A. Ask for help right away and explain what I need. B. Wait to ask someone I am a little more comfortable with. C. Avoid asking because I am worried what people might think of me.

2. If my teacher forgets my accommodation, I... A. Politely remind them and ask to fix it. B. Feel awkward, but might say something. C. Say nothing and hope it was a one-time mistake.

3. I feel confident talking about what I need... A. With anyone, including teachers, counselors, advisors, and peers. B. Only with close people I trust. C. Not really. I rely on others to share on my behalf.

4. When I face a challenge, I... A. Look for solutions and ask for support. B. Try to handle it alone first. C. Get overwhelmed and rely on others to help me without asking.

5. I feel confident communicating about most things independently. A. Yes, I feel confident doing this in person or by email on my own. B. Sort of. I feel okay writing an email if someone looks it over for me. C. No. I rely on others to communicate for me when I cannot avoid it.

6. I can describe my learning needs to others... A. Easily. I know my needs and I have practiced this before. B. Sort of. I know what I need, but it is hard to explain. C. Not really. I get stuck or nervous.

7. If I am overwhelmed by schoolwork, I... A. Talk to my teachers or other school resources for support. B. Try to manage it myself first. C. Avoid it and hope it gets better.

Calculate Your Score

Use the scoring guide below to determine the points for each answer you selected. Write the point value for each question and add your total score.

Question 1 score: Question 2 score: Question 3 score: Question 4 score: Question 5 score: Question 6 score: Question 7 score: Total score:

Scoring Guide

Question	A Response	B Response	C Response
1. When I need help in class	3 points	2 points	1 point
2. If my teacher forgets my accommodation	3 points	2 points	1 point
3. I feel confident talking about what I need	3 points	2 points	1 point
4. When I face a challenge	3 points	2 points	1 point
5. I feel confident communicating independently	3 points	2 points	1 point
6. I can describe my learning needs to others	3 points	2 points	1 point
7. If I am overwhelmed by schoolwork	3 points	2 points	1 point

7–11 Points

Just Getting Started!

You are beginning your self-advocacy journey. Let’s work on building your confidence and communication skills.

12–16 Points

Growing Advocate!

You are on the right track. You know your needs and are learning how to express them. Keep building those skills.

17–21 Points

You are a Pro!

You are confident, prepared, and ready to speak up for yourself. Keep practicing and supporting others too.

Build Your Self-Advocacy Toolkit

The three-step process below can support you in growing your skills.

Step 1: What Can You Do Now?

Check off what you already feel confident doing:

I know what accommodations I have and why I need them. I have practiced asking for help. I can write a professional email expressing a problem or concern. I know how to find support services around me. I have talked with someone in the workforce or at the college about the transition. What is one thing you did not check off? How can you work on this?

Step 2: Make a Plan

Take notes of your answers or talk about these questions with someone you trust:

Why do I care about this? How is this relevant for me? How can I show myself that I can do this? Who can help me reach my goals? What are my first few steps? How will these goals help me in college or work? What are my self-advocacy goals?

Step 3: Try It Out — What Would You Say?

Practice with others or write down how you would respond to these scenarios:

Scenario 1

Your faculty member says, “I won’t provide that accommodation.”

What would you say?

Scenario 2

You are struggling in a class but feel nervous asking for help.

What would you say?

Scenario 3

You are meeting with your college advisor about getting accommodations. They ask you to describe your disability and how it impacts you.

What would you say?

Citation: Adapted from Chloe Tralle, Student Accessibility Services Coordinator, Lake Superior College. Used with permission.

Self-Advocacy Worksheet

Worksheet Directions

How Strong is Your Self-Advocacy Game?

Calculate Your Score

Scoring Guide

7–11 Points

12–16 Points

17–21 Points

Build Your Self-Advocacy Toolkit

Step 1: What Can You Do Now?

Step 2: Make a Plan

Step 3: Try It Out — What Would You Say?

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Scenario 3