Encourage others to be leaders and become better self-advocates Encourage your peers to speak upKnow about the Lanterman Act and basic rights of people with developmental disabilitiesHave contacts within the community Know about people first groups and/or self advocacy groupsKnow about Regional Center servicesKnow about the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)Be willing to help other peopleKnow what you’re good at and what your strengths areHave confidence in yourself and in your abilitiesHave good work skills and ethicsBe a good listenerHave a way to effectively communicate (doesn’t have to necessarily be by ‘talking’)Have the desire to always learn moreKnow where to go to learn more, or to get help Encourage others to
Be able to understand the ‘other persons’ point of viewKnow what is expected of you as an advocate. Know what your ‘passions’ are
Have the ability to develop good relationships with many different kinds of people (peers, coworkers, providers, family members of consumers, community leaders, legislators etc.)Be patient, but ‘tough’ with the people you work with when necessaryBe patient with other consumersBe a good problem solverAlways put what is ‘best’ for the consumer first (what is ‘best’ for the consumer isn’t always what you think they want or need)Not change your position on something you know is right, even when pressured to do soUnderstand why trust is important in a relationship and try to build trustBe able to work as part of a teamKnow when you are able to do a task and when you should delegate that task to someone else or get helpBe able to know when something is best for the group and when something is best for an individual – and caring equally about bothBe able to speak (whether by voice or other means) in front of groups