Warm Up: What's Your Superpower?

Think about something you are really good at, or a positive quality you have. This could be anything! For example, maybe you are a great listener, very organized, good at solving problems, or always on time.

Your Task:

1. On a piece of paper or in your mind, identify ONE "superpower" or strength you possess.
2. Be ready to share it with the class, if you feel comfortable.

Script: Your Voice, Your Job

Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's kick things off with a quick warm-up. I want you to think about something you are really good at, a positive quality you possess. This could be anything – maybe you're a great listener, very organized, good at solving problems, or always on time. Take a moment to identify your personal 'superpower' or strength."

(Pause for students to think and write.)

Teacher: "Who would like to share their superpower with the class? Don't be shy!"

(Facilitate brief sharing from volunteers, affirming their contributions.)

Introduction & Goal Setting (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing your superpowers! That was a fantastic way to start thinking about our strengths. Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly important for your job search and your career: self-advocacy. " (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 1)

Teacher: "Our goal today is to empower you. We'll learn how to identify your strengths and needs, communicate them clearly, and confidently advocate for yourself in all job-related situations. Why is this so important? Because your voice matters, and knowing how to use it effectively can make all the difference in finding and keeping a job that truly fits you."

Understanding Self-Advocacy (20 minutes)

Teacher: "So, what exactly is self-advocacy? Take a look at this slide." (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 2)

Teacher: "At its core, self-advocacy is about speaking up for yourself. It means understanding your own strengths – like those superpowers you just shared – and also understanding your needs and preferences. Then, it's about clearly communicating these to others, making sure your voice is heard, especially in important situations like job searching or on the job."

Teacher: "Can anyone give an example of a time they had to speak up for themselves, maybe not even related to a job?"

(Allow a few students to share examples. Guide them if they struggle, e.g., 'Did you ever have to tell someone what you preferred for dinner?' or 'Did you ever ask for help with something difficult?')

Teacher: "Now, let's look at why self-advocacy is so crucial for your job search." (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 3)

Teacher: "It helps you find a job that truly fits you, not just any job. It ensures you get the support you need to do your best work, whether that's a different kind of chair or a specific software. It also shows employers that you are confident and capable, and that you are proactive about your success. Ultimately, it helps create a positive and productive work environment for you."

Teacher: "Are there any questions about what self-advocacy is or why it's important?"

(Address any questions.)

Myths vs. Facts (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Sometimes, people have misunderstandings about self-advocacy, especially when it comes to disabilities or asking for support. Let's look at some common myths and the facts." (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 4)

Teacher: "A common myth is, 'Asking for help makes me look weak.' What do you all think about that?"

(Allow students to share their opinions.)

Teacher: "The fact is, asking for what you need actually shows strength, self-awareness, and a strong desire to succeed! It tells people you know yourself and you're committed to doing a good job."

Teacher: "Another myth: 'Employers won't hire me if I mention my disability or needs.' This is a big one that causes a lot of worry. What are your thoughts on this?"

(Allow students to share their opinions.)

Teacher: "The fact is, good employers focus on your abilities and how you can contribute to their team. Communicating your needs helps them understand how to best support your success. Plus, we'll talk more about this, but there are laws in place to protect you."

Step 1: Know Yourself (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Before you can effectively advocate for yourself, you need to truly know yourself. This involves three key areas." (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 5)

Teacher: "First, your Strengths. We touched on this in our warm-up. What are you good at? What skills do you have? Think about your abilities, your positive traits, and what makes you a valuable employee."

Teacher: "Second, your Needs. What support or accommodations might help you do your best work? This isn't about what you can't do, but what helps you excel. This could be anything from specific software, a quiet workspace, flexible hours, or even just clear written instructions."

Teacher: "And third, your Preferences. What kind of work environment suits you best? Do you prefer working alone or in a team? A fast-paced environment or a more calm one? Knowing these helps you target the right jobs."

Teacher: "Why do you think it's important to think about all three of these: strengths, needs, AND preferences, before talking to an employer?"

(Encourage responses. Guide them to understand that it presents a complete picture and shows preparedness.)

Reading: Advocacy in Action (15 minutes)

Teacher: "To help us understand self-advocacy better, we're going to read a short article called Reading: Advocacy in Action. This reading shares some real-world examples and practical advice. You can read it quietly to yourselves, or I can read it aloud for the class."

(Distribute or display the Reading: Advocacy in Action. Allow students to read, offering to read aloud if preferred. After reading, ask for initial thoughts.)

Teacher: "What was one key idea or example from the reading that stood out to you?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion.)

Discussion: Real-World Advocacy (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, let's dive deeper into some real-world situations. We'll use our Discussion: Real-World Advocacy prompts to guide us. Remember, there are no wrong answers here, just an opportunity to think and share."

(Lead the discussion using the prompts from Discussion: Real-World Advocacy. Encourage participation and active listening.)

Activity: My Advocacy Plan (20 minutes)

Teacher: "Great discussion, everyone. It's clear you're all thinking critically about how to apply these ideas. Now, let's get practical. I'm going to hand out the Worksheet: My Advocacy Plan. This worksheet will help you start building your own personal advocacy plan."

(Distribute the Worksheet: My Advocacy Plan.)

Teacher: "We'll work through this together. The first section asks you to list your strengths. Think back to our warm-up and add more if you can. Then, we'll think about your support needs – what would help you succeed in a job? And finally, we'll practice writing some advocacy statements."

(Circulate around the room, offering individual support and answering questions. Encourage students to be specific.)

Step 2: Communicate Clearly & Confidently (10 minutes)

Teacher: "As you were working on your advocacy plans, you were already practicing Step 2: communicating clearly and confidently." (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 6)

Teacher: "When you talk about your needs, it's important to be direct, be specific about what you need and why, and keep a positive tone, focusing on solutions. Most importantly, practice! The more you do it, the easier it gets."

Teacher: "Let's look at an example." (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 7)

Teacher: "Instead of just saying 'I can't lift heavy boxes because of my back,' which focuses on a limitation, try something like, 'I am capable of all job duties, but I may need assistance with lifting items over 20 pounds. I could also use a hand truck or a team lift to help.' Notice how the second statement focuses on solutions and capabilities? That's the key!"

Step 3: Know Your Rights (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Finally, it's very important to know your rights." (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 8)

Teacher: "In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, protects individuals with disabilities in employment. This means employers must provide 'reasonable accommodations' unless it causes 'undue hardship.' A reasonable accommodation is a change to the job or workplace that allows you to do your job effectively. Knowing this empowers you to advocate for what you need."

Practice Makes Perfect! (5 minutes)

Teacher: "As we just discussed, the best way to get better at self-advocacy is to practice!" (Advance to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Job - Slide 9)

Teacher: "Think about different job scenarios. Role-play with a friend, family member, or career counselor. Imagine yourself confidently discussing your needs and strengths. The more you rehearse, the more natural and confident you'll feel when it really matters."

Quiz: Advocacy Check-Up (10 minutes)

Teacher: "To see how much we've learned, we're going to do a quick Quiz: Advocacy Check-Up. Please answer to the best of your ability. This is to help you see what you've learned."

(Administer the Quiz: Advocacy Check-Up. Collect when completed.)

Test: Job Advocacy Scenario (20 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, for our final activity, we're going to put your skills to the test with a Test: Job Advocacy Scenario. This will be a chance to apply everything we've talked about in a simulated job-related situation."

(Distribute the Test: Job Advocacy Scenario. Allow students to work individually.)

Cool Down: One Big Idea (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, as we wrap up, let's reflect on what we've covered today. I'm going to hand out or display our Cool Down: One Big Idea."

(Distribute or display the Cool Down: One Big Idea.)

Teacher: "I want you to think about one big idea, one key takeaway, or one thing you learned today that you'll remember about self-advocacy. Write it down. This helps us remember and solidify what we've learned."

(Collect the cool-down slips or ask for a few volunteers to share.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for your active participation today. Remember, your voice is powerful, and learning to advocate for yourself is a skill that will help you tremendously in your job search and throughout your life. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to speak up!"

Worksheet: My Advocacy Plan

Being able to advocate for yourself is a powerful skill, especially when looking for a job! This worksheet will help you get clear on your strengths, what you need to succeed, and how to communicate it.

Part 1: My Strengths and Skills (Know Yourself!)

Think about what you are good at, what skills you have, and your positive qualities. These are your 'superpowers'!

1. List 3-5 of your strengths or skills:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How might these strengths be valuable in a job? (Give an example for one of your strengths)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: My Support Needs (What Helps Me Succeed?)

Think about what kind of support or accommodations might help you do your best work. This isn't about what you can't do, but what helps you excel and be most productive.

1. List 2-3 potential support needs or accommodations that would help you in a job setting:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. For one of your listed needs, explain why it helps you:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Practicing Advocacy Statements (Communicating Confidently!)

Now, let's practice putting your strengths and needs into clear, positive statements you might use during a job interview or when talking to a manager.

Scenario 1: An interviewer asks, "What are your greatest strengths?"

Your Advocacy Statement (focus on your strengths and how they benefit the employer):

Scenario 2: You need a specific accommodation (e.g., a standing desk, a quiet workspace, written instructions instead of verbal for complex tasks). How would you ask for it during an interview or with a new manager? Remember to focus on solutions and how it helps you perform.

Your Advocacy Statement (state the need, explain why it helps your performance):

Scenario 3: You want to make sure your work schedule allows for a regular medical appointment. How would you discuss this with a potential employer or HR?

Your Advocacy Statement (be clear and propose a solution if possible):

Reading: Advocacy in Action

What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up and make decisions for yourself. It means knowing your rights, understanding your needs, and communicating them effectively to others. For many people, especially those with disabilities, self-advocacy is a vital skill for navigating daily life, education, and employment.

Why is Self-Advocacy Important for Getting a Job?

When you are looking for a job, self-advocacy helps you in several key ways:

1. Finding the Right Fit: By knowing your strengths, preferences, and needs, you can identify jobs that truly match your abilities and work style. You can ask questions during interviews to ensure the company culture and role align with what you are looking for.

2. Communicating Your Value: Self-advocacy allows you to confidently share your skills and experiences with potential employers. It also enables you to discuss how your unique perspectives can benefit their team.

3. Requesting Accommodations: If you have a disability, you might need certain changes or supports in the workplace to perform your job effectively. These are called "reasonable accommodations." Examples include flexible work schedules, modified equipment, or assistive technology. Knowing how to ask for these accommodations is a core part of self-advocacy.

4. Building Confidence: Successfully advocating for yourself builds confidence. It shows you that your voice has power and that you are capable of shaping your own future.

How to Practice Self-Advocacy in the Job Search

• Know Your Strengths and Needs: Before any interview or networking event, take time to reflect. What are you good at? What do you bring to a job? What supports might help you be most successful?

• Prepare Your Message: Think about what you want to say. Practice explaining your skills and needs clearly and concisely. Focus on solutions and how you can still perform the job duties effectively with the right support.

• Choose Your Moment: You don't always have to disclose everything at once. Decide when and how you feel comfortable sharing information about your disability or accommodation needs. Often, it's best to discuss accommodations after you've been offered a job.

• Be Assertive, Not Aggressive: Self-advocacy is about being firm and clear, but always respectful. State your case calmly and professionally.

• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations.

• Seek Support: You don't have to do it alone! Career counselors, disability services, and advocacy organizations can help you prepare and practice your self-advocacy skills.

Real-Life Example:

Mark, an accountant who uses a wheelchair, applied for a job at a new firm. During his interview, he impressed the hiring manager with his skills and experience. When offered the position, Mark politely asked about the accessibility of the office and mentioned that he would need a desk that could accommodate his wheelchair. He also suggested a few options for how this could be easily arranged. The employer appreciated his directness and preparedness, and quickly made the necessary arrangements, recognizing that Mark was a valuable asset to their team.

Discussion: Real-World Advocacy

Let's talk about how self-advocacy plays out in real life, especially in the context of getting and keeping a job. Share your thoughts and experiences with the group.

1. Imagining the Interview: You're in a job interview, and the interviewer asks, "What kind of work environment helps you do your best work?" How would you use self-advocacy to answer this question effectively, highlighting your needs in a positive way?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. On the Job Challenge: Imagine you've started a new job, and you realize a specific tool or piece of software isn't accessible for you, making it hard to complete a task. How would you approach your supervisor to advocate for a solution?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Strengths in Focus: Share an example of a time you successfully used one of your personal strengths (maybe one you listed in the warm-up!) to overcome a challenge, either in a job or another setting. How could you highlight this strength to a potential employer?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Overcoming Fear: What are some fears or worries you might have about advocating for yourself in a job situation? How can we challenge those fears and build confidence?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. The Power of Practice: Why is practicing self-advocacy important, even if you feel a little awkward doing it at first?

Cool Down: One Big Idea

Take a moment to think back over everything we discussed today about self-advocacy.

What is ONE BIG IDEA or key takeaway that you will remember from this lesson?

It could be a new understanding, a skill you want to practice, or something that changed your perspective.

Write it down below:

Warm Up: What's Your Superpower?

Think about something you are really good at, or a positive quality you have. This could be anything! For example, maybe you are a great listener, very organized, good at solving problems, or always on time.

Your Task:
1. On a piece of paper or in your mind, identify ONE

Your Voice, Your Job: Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (15 Minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our session today. We're here to talk about something really important that can help you succeed in your job search and in your future career: self-advocacy."

"Think about it – when you're looking for a job, it's a bit like telling your story. You want to show employers who you are, what you're good at, and what kind of support helps you shine. That's exactly what self-advocacy helps us do."

"To kick things off, let's do a quick Warm Up: Job Search Brainstorm. Take a few moments to think about your experiences with job searching or anything related to looking for work. What comes to mind? What are some feelings, challenges, or successes you've encountered?"

(Allow students to complete the warm-up, then invite a few to share. Transition to Slide 1: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "Today, our lesson is titled Your Voice, Your Job. We're going to explore how using your voice effectively can be your most powerful tool in finding and thriving in a job."

(Transition to Slide 2: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "Here’s what we’ll achieve today: First, we’ll understand what self-advocacy truly means. Second, we’ll discover why it's incredibly important, especially when you're looking for a job. Third, we’ll learn practical strategies to speak up for your strengths and needs. And finally, we'll get a chance to practice communicating effectively in different job scenarios. What are you hoping to get out of our time together today?"

Understanding Self-Advocacy (25 Minutes)

(Teacher): "Before we dive deeper, I want to give everyone a copy of our reading for today: Reading: The Power of Self-Advocacy. Please take a few minutes to read through this on your own. If anyone prefers, I can also read it aloud for the class."

(Distribute reading. Allow 5-7 minutes for reading. Offer to read aloud if preferred.)

(Teacher): "Great! Now that we've all had a chance to read, let's break down what self-advocacy really means."

(Transition to Slide 3: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "As the slide says, self-advocacy is all about speaking up for yourself! It means knowing your rights, understanding what you need to be successful, clearly communicating those needs and desires, and ultimately, making your own informed decisions. Can anyone give me an example of a time they had to speak up for themselves, big or small?"

(Transition to Slide 4: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "So, why is this skill so important, especially when it comes to getting a job? Self-advocacy helps you: Showcase Your Strengths by highlighting what makes you a great candidate. It helps you Address Your Needs by allowing you to request accommodations that help you perform your best. It Builds Confidence because when you know how to speak up, you feel more in control. And ultimately, it helps you Find the Right Fit – a job where you can truly succeed."

(Transition to Slide 5: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "In the job search, self-advocacy means being prepared for interviews, clearly talking about your skills, knowing your rights as an applicant with a disability, and understanding when and how to discuss any accommodations you might need. It's about being proactive, not passive."

"Let's discuss. Based on the reading and what we've talked about, what are some key takeaways about why self-advocacy is powerful?"

Building Your Advocacy Toolkit (30 Minutes)

(Teacher): "Now that we understand what self-advocacy is and why it's important, let's build your personal advocacy toolkit. These are the tools and strategies you can use in your job search."

(Transition to Slide 6: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "First, you need to Know Your Strengths. What are you genuinely good at? What skills have you gained from your past experiences, whether work, school, or even hobbies? What positive qualities do you have – are you reliable, a good problem-solver, a team player? And how can these strengths directly benefit an employer? Thinking about these will help you confidently talk about yourself."

(Transition to Slide 7: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "Next, it's important to Identify Accommodation Needs. What specific supports help you do your best work? This isn't about asking for special treatment, but about ensuring you have an equal opportunity to perform the job duties. Examples could be a flexible schedule, a modified workspace, assistive technology, or written instructions. It's about finding what helps you succeed. Does anyone have an example of an accommodation that has helped them or someone they know?"

(Transition to Slide 8: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you need to know how to Communicate Effectively. This means being clear and concise – getting to the point. Use 'I' statements, like 'I need' or 'I can' to express your thoughts. Practice what you want to say beforehand. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if something isn't clear to you. And always remember to be confident in your abilities and needs. You are valuable!"

"Now, I'm going to hand out the Worksheet: My Advocacy Plan. This worksheet will help you put these ideas into practice. Take your time to think about your strengths, your needs, and how you would communicate them. I'll be walking around to offer support and answer any questions."

(Distribute worksheets and allow 15-20 minutes for students to work, offering assistance.)

Practice Makes Perfect: Role-Playing (30 Minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, everyone, great work on your advocacy plans! Now, it's time to put those plans into action through some role-playing. This is a safe space to practice, make mistakes, and learn from each other. Remember, the goal is to build confidence and refine your communication skills."

(Transition to Slide 9: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "We'll be using the Discussion Guide: Interview Scenarios to help us. I'd like you to pair up or form small groups. One person will play the role of the job applicant, and the other(s) will be the interviewer. We'll rotate roles. Focus on clearly communicating your strengths and, if applicable, how you might discuss an accommodation."

"After each role-play, the interviewer(s) and other group members should provide constructive feedback. What went well? What could be improved? Remember to be supportive and helpful."

(Guide students into pairs/groups. Provide a few example scenarios from the discussion guide. Circulate to observe and offer coaching.)

Assessment & Wrap-Up (20 Minutes)

(Teacher): "Excellent work with the role-playing, everyone! It takes courage to practice these skills, and you all did wonderfully. To check our understanding of the concepts we've covered today, I'm going to give you a short Quiz: Self-Advocacy Check. This will help you and me see what you've learned."

(Distribute quizzes. Allow 5-7 minutes for completion.)

(Teacher): "Alright, please hand in your quizzes. To wrap up our session, let's do a Cool Down: One Big Takeaway. On your cool-down sheet, I want you to write down one big thing you learned today, or one strategy you feel confident using in your job search."

(Distribute cool-down sheets. Allow 3-5 minutes for completion.)

(Teacher): "As you hand in your cool-downs, remember that practicing these self-advocacy skills is an ongoing process. Your voice is powerful, and knowing how to use it will benefit you greatly in your job search and throughout your career. We will have a more comprehensive assessment of your practical self-advocacy skills during a Test: Job Interview Role Play at a later date."

(Transition to Slide 10: Your Voice, Your Job Slides)

(Teacher): "Thank you all for your active participation today! Keep practicing, keep speaking up, and keep advocating for the amazing opportunities you deserve."

Warm Up: Job Search Brainstorm

Instructions: Take a few minutes to think about job searching. What are some words, feelings, or experiences that come to mind when you think about looking for a job? Write down at least three ideas below.

My Job Search Brainstorm:

The Power of Self-Advocacy

What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and making your own decisions about your life. It's about understanding your rights, your needs, and your goals, and then communicating them clearly to others. It means being able to say, "This is who I am, this is what I need, and this is what I want."

It's not about being demanding or aggressive. Instead, it's about being assertive and confident. It's about knowing yourself well enough to represent your own interests effectively. Self-advocacy is a skill that helps you take control of your own life and navigate the world successfully.

Why is Self-Advocacy Important in Your Job Search?

Finding a job can be a challenging process for anyone, and having a disability can sometimes add extra hurdles. This is where self-advocacy becomes incredibly powerful. Here's why it's a vital tool for your job search:

1. Showcasing Your Strengths: When you advocate for yourself, you get to control the narrative. You can highlight your unique skills, talents, and experiences in a way that emphasizes your abilities, rather than focusing on limitations. You can explain how your experiences have made you resilient, a problem-solver, or given you unique perspectives.

2. Requesting Reasonable Accommodations: The law often requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. These are changes to the work environment or job duties that allow a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job. To get these accommodations, you need to be able to identify what you need and clearly communicate it to an employer. This might include asking for a flexible schedule, specific assistive technology, or modifications to a workspace.

3. Building Employer Understanding: Many employers want to be inclusive but may not understand what a job seeker with a disability needs. By advocating for yourself, you educate potential employers and help them see the value you bring. You help bridge any gaps in understanding.

4. Increasing Confidence: When you practice self-advocacy, you become more confident in your abilities and your right to fair treatment. This confidence can shine through in interviews and interactions, making a positive impression.

5. Finding the Right Fit: Ultimately, self-advocacy helps you find a job and a workplace that is truly a good fit for you. A workplace that respects your needs and provides the necessary support will be one where you can thrive, be productive, and feel valued.

How to Self-Advocate in Your Job Search:

• Know Yourself: Understand your strengths, skills, and any challenges you might face. Also, know what accommodations could help you.
• Know Your Rights: Learn about disability rights in employment in your region.
• Practice Communication: Think about what you want to say before an interview or meeting. Practice explaining your strengths and needs clearly and calmly.
• Be Assertive, Not Aggressive: State your needs and opinions respectfully but firmly.
• Be Prepared: Bring relevant information or questions to an interview or meeting.

Self-advocacy is a continuous journey. The more you practice, the more confident and effective you will become in speaking up for yourself and achieving your employment goals.

My Advocacy Plan: Speaking Up for Your Job!

Instructions: This worksheet will help you create a plan to advocate for yourself during your job search. Think carefully about each section.

Section 1: My Strengths and Skills

What are you good at? What skills do you have that would make you a great employee? Think about past jobs, volunteer work, school, or even hobbies. List at least three strengths or skills.

How would you tell a potential employer about these strengths? Write a short sentence or two for each.

Section 2: My Accommodation Needs

What types of support or changes in a workplace would help you do your best work? Remember, accommodations are about creating equal opportunities. List any accommodations you might need.

Examples: flexible schedule, specific software, written instructions, quiet workspace, ergonomic chair, regular breaks.

How would you politely and clearly explain one of these accommodation needs to an employer during an interview or after receiving a job offer? (Remember to focus on how it helps you perform the job.)

Section 3: Communicating My Value

Imagine you are in a job interview. An interviewer asks, "Why should we hire you?" How would you answer, confidently highlighting your strengths and perhaps briefly mentioning how you ensure your best work (without focusing negatively on disability)?

Section 4: Asking Questions

What are two questions YOU could ask an employer during an interview to show you are engaged and to learn if the workplace will be a good fit for you?

Discussion Guide: Interview Scenarios for Self-Advocacy Practice

Instructions: In your groups, take turns role-playing these scenarios. One person will be the applicant, and the other(s) will be the interviewer. Focus on practicing your self-advocacy skills: clearly communicating your strengths, politely asking questions, and discussing needs or accommodations effectively. After each role-play, discuss what went well and what could be improved.

Scenario 1: Highlighting Strengths

Interviewer: "Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in this position as a [Job Title, e.g., 'Customer Service Representative']."

Applicant: (Focus on confidently sharing your relevant skills, experiences, and positive qualities. Connect them to the job description.)

Discussion Points:

• Did the applicant clearly state their strengths?
• Did they connect their strengths to the job?
• What was their body language like?

Scenario 2: Addressing a Potential Challenge (without negativity)

Interviewer: "This role requires strong attention to detail. Can you give me an example of how you ensure accuracy in your work?"

Applicant: (Share a strategy you use, or an accommodation that helps you maintain focus or accuracy, framing it positively as a method for success rather than a limitation. You don't have to disclose a disability unless you choose to.)

Discussion Points:

• Was the applicant confident in their response?
• Did they provide a practical solution or strategy?
• Did they avoid negative language?

Scenario 3: Discussing an Accommodation Need

Interviewer: "Thank you for coming in today. Do you have any questions for us?"

Applicant: *(This is an opportunity to ask about workplace culture, support systems, or, if you feel comfortable and it's relevant to a specific job duty discussed, briefly and professionally inquire about the process for discussing workplace accommodations if offered the position. Example: "What is your company's process for ensuring employees have the support they need to perform their best work?" Or, if a specific accommodation is clear and essential: "I noticed this role involves a lot of computer work; would it be possible to discuss ergonomic equipment options if I were to join the team?")

Discussion Points:

• Was the question appropriate and professional?
• Did it open a door for a future conversation about accommodations?
• Did the applicant remain confident and clear?

Scenario 4: Follow-up (after a hypothetical job offer)

Employer (after offering a job): "Congratulations, we'd like to offer you the position! We'll send you the official offer letter soon. Do you have any initial questions?"

Applicant: *(Express gratitude, then clearly state a specific accommodation need you have that is essential for your success in the role. Be prepared to explain why it helps you perform the job duties. Example: "Thank you so much! I'm very excited about this opportunity. To ensure I can perform at my best, I would need a quiet workspace, perhaps a cubicle away from high-traffic areas. This helps me concentrate on complex tasks.")

Discussion Points:

• Was the request clear and polite?
• Did the applicant explain the benefit of the accommodation?
• Did they sound confident and prepared?