My Self-Advocacy Map

give students with ieps the words to advocate for themselves

Research shows that students speak just 3% of the time in IEP meetings.

Many have never been taught how to share their strengths or ask for support.

THIS TOOL HELPS CHANGE THAT.

My Self-Advocacy Map is a ready-to-use reflection workbook designed to support students with disabilities in grades 3-12 to identify their strengths and needs, understand how to advocate for themselves, and participate in the IEP process.

How Does My Self-Advocacy Map Work?
The workbook walks students through six key reflection sections to build self-awareness, confidence, and language for advocacy one step at a time.

Hover over each step to learn more.

pART 1

My Strengths

Students reflect on how they think, learn, and interact across academic, creative, planning, social, and character strengths.

pART 3

What Helps Me Do My Best?

Students identify supports, strategies, and environments that help them learn, like visuals, movement breaks, or quiet time.

pART 5

My Strength-Based Self-Advocacy Plan

Students summarize their strengths, challenges, and supports in one cohesive page to share with their IEP team or teachers.

pART 2

What Feels Tricky For Me?

In affirming terms, students name what feels hard at school and when learning is most challenging.

pART 4

How Can I Ask for What Helps Me?

Using sentence starters, students practice self-advocacy language in clear, student-friendly phrases.

pART 6

My IEP Goals

A scaffolded space for students to reflect on and share what goals matter to them, from reading to emotional regulation.

Why it matters

Studies show that when students with disabilities receive explicit self-advocacy instruction, they are more likely to understand their learning needs, request accommodations, and show growth in confidence, communication, and academic performance.

(Campbell-Whatley, 2008; Mishna et al., 2011; Lee et al., 2025)

A COMPLETE TOOL FOR STUDENT REFLECTION AND VOICE

Each grade-level version includes:

-7-page student workbook (printable version + fillable digital version)

-Adult facilitation guide with tips and prompts

-Strength-based language and scaffolded support

YOU'RE NOT ON YOUR OWN!

Each version comes with a facilitation guide that includes:

-Clear instructions for introducing the tool

-Example language and sentence starters for each section

-Tips for scaffolding based on age, ability, and communication style

-Prompts for connecting student responses to IEP goals or summaries

When to use this tool

Right after psychoeducational testing
Before IEP or eligibility meetings
During counseling or skill-building sessions
To prepare for student-led IEPs or transitions

School psychologists
Special education teachers
Case managers and IEP team leaders
Diagnosticians and related service providers

who is this tool for?

My Self-Advocacy Map is designed for professionals who support students with IEPs in reflecting on their needs, strengths, and goals. It’s especially helpful for: