One of the major concerns parents of individuals with disabilities have is, "What will my child do after I am gone?'
While it is natural for family members to want to assist a relative, it really is to the person's own benefit to learn to be as independent as possible.
Most people have the ability to speak, write, or communicate in other forms to establish rapport with another person. What type of self-advocacy a person does depends on the person. Some individuals may take on a more assertive approach by by speaking at conferences, organizing a local community group or by writing in support of a cause. Others are more reserved, they may serve on a committee or board, help with fund-raising activities. Both types of roles, whether active organizer or supporter, are important not just for the community but for the self-advocate.
Through chairing meetings, working on committees, writing letters to the editor, important skills are learned. These include public speaking, social skills required to work with others, such as compromise, communication, conflict resolution. Even more important, relationships are formed. Working on committees, attending meetings, helping with the Sobriety Walk/Run or wherever you volunteer, you meet people. You discover common interests. You form relationships. You get a chance to listen to others' opinions during the meetings, to talk to them on breaks, or while you are working on making a sign, a newsletter or chili for a community dinner.
Think about what it means to be an adult member of a community. You have friends. People respect your opinion. As an adult, you are recognized within the community for your talents and your contributions. These contributions don't have to be establishing the tribal college. They can be making and selling fry bread for a fundraiser for scholarships for tribal college students with disabilities. They can be writing a letter to the local paper, speaking at a General Assembly and asking why there is a GED requirement for housekeeping and maintenance jobs when it may keep people with learning disabilities from doing work they are capable of doing.
How to become a self-advocate