Self-advocacy skills for your child

What is self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy means looking out for yourself, knowing what you need, and communicating your needs effectively to others. With guidance and practice, your child can learn self-advocacy skills from an early age and refine them over time. Self-advocacy will provide your child with an essential skill for lifelong success.

There are a few things you can implement to help your child become an effective self-advocate:

• Encourage independence
  One of the first steps in building self-advocacy skills is fostering independence. Everyday situations can become valuable learning moments. Provide opportunities for your child to confidently order their favourite drink at a café, approach a sales assistant with a question, or voice a concern to their teacher. These experiences not only help your child feel capable but also prepare them for future interactions in a variety of settings.

• Provide the right vocabulary
  Teach your child about their hearing loss and its implications in the classroom, the playground, etc. Your child should also know the correct names for the different parts of their listening devices and how to manage them independently. Children need the proper vocabulary and understanding of their hearing loss to explain their needs to others.

• Promote problem-solving
  It’s natural for parents to want to step in and solve their child’s problems, but giving your child the space to navigate challenges is critical. Explore potential solutions together, but let them take the lead whenever possible. This practice helps children build confidence in their problem-solving abilities and teaches them to rely on their resourcefulness.

• Practice communication
  Open and respectful communication is the cornerstone of self-advocacy. Role-playing different scenarios can help your child feel more comfortable expressing their needs. Whether asking a teacher for support or explaining their requirements to a coach, these rehearsals build confidence and prepare them for real-world situations.

• The power of humour
  Life is filled with unexpected or awkward moments, and your child is bound to encounter a few. A classic scenario is when the child mishears something in a conversation that completely changes the meaning. Finding the funny side of some situations and sharing a laugh can help ease embarrassment and build connection and mutual respect.

• Mentorship
  Connecting with a mentor—someone older who is deaf or hard of hearing—can be transformative for your child. Mentors provide insight, share personal experiences, and offer practical advice on navigating challenges. Seeing how someone older has successfully managed their hearing loss in different situations can inspire your child to envision new possibilities for themselves.

Self-advocacy is not just about solving immediate challenges; it’s about equipping your child with the tools they’ll need for a lifetime. By fostering independence, teaching effective communication, and encouraging problem-solving, you give your child the confidence to navigate their world. These skills will serve them well, from the classroom to the playground and beyond.

More information

• Self-advocacy for Deaf and hard of hearing students | Hands & Voices
• RLT – Self-advocacy
• How to advocate | Australian Government Department of Education
• The importance of self-advocacy | Understood
• Self-advocacy strategies ages | Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities