What Self-Advocacy Means
Self-advocacy is the ability to understand your rights, express your needs, make decisions and speak up for yourself.
It is not about being confrontational—it's about being clear, confident and involved in your own life.
A Simple Definition
Self-advocacy means communicating your own choices, preferences and goals so that the decisions that affect you include your voice.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Self-advocacy supports people to:
- take part in planning meetings
- express what is important to them
- ask questions when information is unclear
- choose the services and supports that fit their needs
- say yes or no with confidence
- understand their rights and options
Examples of Self-Advocacy in Everyday Life
Self-advocacy can look like:
- telling someone what support helps you the most
- asking for extra time to read or think during a meeting
- explaining what you want included in your NDIS plan
- requesting adjustments at work, school or appointments
- choosing your own goals and activities
- saying “I don’t understand—can you explain that again?”
Building Self-Advocacy Skills
Self-advocacy develops over time. Helpful skills include:
- communication
- decision-making
- knowing your rights
- planning and preparation
- confidence and self-belief
- problem-solving
Self-advocacy can be taught, practised and strengthened with support.
Quick Summary
- Self-advocacy is about speaking up for your own needs and choices.
- It strengthens confidence, independence and decision-making.
- Anyone can learn self-advocacy skills.
- It plays a key role in disability supports, healthcare and everyday life.