This toolkit helps you learn how to effectively advocate for your literacy needs in school.

You will learn:

  • Why self-advocacy is important
  • What to advocate for
  • How to communicate about your literacy needs

This toolkit includes:

  • Online Tutorial
  • Infographics
  • Tools & Resources

What is Advocacy and Why is It Important?

You are your own best advocate! Learn the power of self-advocacy, why it's important, and how it helps you succeed in school.

Explore These Resources to Learn More!

Learning Ally

Explore the power of self-advocacy, what it is, what it looks like and how it helps you succeed in school.

Topic: Advocacy

The Regents of the University of Michigan

On this webpage, you will obtain the definition of self-advocacy, learn about the way you learn, find out how to maximize your support team, and become familiar with your legal rights.

Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia

Family Voices

This resource explains how to get what you need as a middle and high school student.

Topic: Advocacy, Adolescent Literacy

Dyslexia Brings Many Gifts

Watch this video, from KidsRead2Kids Jacob Blumenstein, about growing up with dyslexia and how to embrace your differences.

How To Be a Self-Advocate

You deserve advocating for. Embrace your role as an advocate and learn how to speak up for your literacy needs.

Important Steps For Self-Advocacy Download Important Steps For Self-Advocacy

 

Explore These Resources to Learn More!

 

Self-Advocacy in the Workplace

It is common to feel uneasy about entering the workforce when you have a reading disability. Knowing where to turn when you need information or support can help. Learn more by visiting these websites.

Audience: 
Parents & Families
Topic: 
Advocacy
IDA - Oregon

This tool can help students convey accommodations needed to learn.

Topic: Advocacy

Understood

Learn how to build self-advocacy skills to help you get what they need. Rehearsing common situations can help you know where to start.

Topic: Advocacy, Adolescent Literacy

KidsRead2Kids

Active Listening is a key tool in school and in life. However, it is not taught in class and can be difficult to learn. Here are our tips and tricks to get started.

Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia

IDA - Oregon

Videos of technology tips for students with dyslexia.

Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia

Understood

What types of tests are in a dyslexia evaluation? How is dyslexia diagnosed? Get an inside look as Matthew M. Cruger, PhD, a clinical psychologist and senior director of the Learning and Development Center at the Child Mind Institute, evaluates a child for learning and thinking differences.

Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia

Understood

This fact sheet overviews the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

Topic: Advocacy

Advocating For Your Needs

Watch the self-advocacy track of this tutorial to learn more about these topics. Gain the strategies you need to take control of your literacy needs!

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This tutorial includes a self-advocacy and family track. In the family track, parents and family members will learn why advocacy is important, how to advocate for their child’s literacy needs, and what to do when advocacy is difficult, all in an interactive online experience. In the self-advocacy track, students will learn about self-empowerment, understanding their learning challenge, and advocating for themselves. Approximate tutorial length per track: 30 minutes


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