Self-Advocacy
Build confidence and skills to speak up and plan your own future.
Speaking Up for Yourself
At Vermont Family Network, self-advocacy means supporting young people and adults with disabilities to speak up for their own needs, goals, and preferences. It is a key skill for students and individuals who want to lead lives that reflect who they are and what matters most to them.
We believe self-advocacy starts early and grows over time. High school students with disabilities, in particular, benefit from opportunities to learn and practice these skills as part of their education and transition planning. Self-advocacy helps individuals understand their rights, communicate effectively, and take an active role in decisions about school, work, health care, and community life.
How to Participate in Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is rooted in person-centered thinking and planning, which focuses on each individual’s strengths, interests, and goals. This approach helps young people plan for the future by identifying what they want to do, what they already know how to do, and what they still want to learn.
Our Advocacy Partners
VFN also encourages connection with self-advocacy organizations that provide leadership opportunities, peer support, and community engagement, such as Green Mountain Self Advocates and the Vermont Center for Independent Living.
Self-advocacy looks different for everyone, and there’s no single right way to get started. What matters most is creating space for individuals to be heard, respected, and supported as they build the lives they want.
The impact of our work is felt by families every day.
“Raising a child with a disability, particularly one that is often invisible, can be a lonely journey. Because Family Support staff all have personal experience raising a child with special needs, they are particularly well equipped to offer that perfect balance of listening and offering specific guidance and support. VFN has helped us not feel alone.“
– VFN Parent
