Self-advocacy is a student's ability to stand up for what they need, and to name and request the access tools that let them fully understand information, such as interpreters, captions, or visuals. Use this checklist during classroom visits to look for evidence that these skills are being taught and practiced, not assumed. It helps you notice whether students explain their communication preferences, whether teachers model advocacy language, whether students take part in setting their own goals, and whether staff treat advocacy as a skill to build rather than a behavior problem. Use your notes as the starting point for a coaching conversation with the teacher.
Because of your selected audience type, you may also enjoy the following related resources.
A checklist PreK and kindergarten teachers use to build young children's independence, communication, and early self-advocacy: asking for help, taking turns, and expressing needs.
A tip sheet staff use as a quick reference for what strong transition practice looks like, building the independence, advocacy, and autonomy deaf and hard of hearing students need.
A tip sheet families use to build independence and self-advocacy at home, with everyday ways to let a child express needs, make choices, and ask for the access they need.