The First Time I Spoke Up: Creating Firsts That Build Self-Advocacy
A workshop by Green Mountain Self-Advocates

High school is full of important “firsts” for students with disabilities: the first time speaking at an IEP meeting, asking for an accommodation, or saying “I want to try this myself.” These moments build self-advocacy skills that last a lifetime. But sometimes adults step in too quickly, speak for students, or protect them from experiences that help them grow.

In this workshop, GMSA Peer Trainers share their own stories of learning to speak up, take risks, and make mistakes. Educators and counselors learn how to spot everyday chances for students to practice self-advocacy before they leave school.

Here you’ll find the slides and materials, including practical tools for training paraprofessionals and support staff to help students have a voice, make real choices, try new things, and take the lead in their lives.

• Workshop Slides
• GMSA’s P2P Project: What We Do & How We Work with Schools
• Practice Making Your Case: Helping Students Practice Turning a “No” into a “Yes”
• Supporting Students to Make Their Own Decisions: How to Answer Questions Without Telling Students What to Do
• Self-Advocacy Topics Taught By GMSA Peer Trainers – Plain Language Booklet
• Self-Advocacy Topics Taught By GMSA Peer Trainers