Advocacy (Speaking Out) is promoted through STILS Training Programme in Airton Road By Kelly Clarges Airton Training 14/2/13 As part of our training programme we are encouraged to speak up for ourselves. We practice this through one of our modules “Who am I”. We are provided with the skills, the know-‐how and the confidence to speak up for ourselves and others when it is necessary. It also helps us to plan, set and review goals we set at our individual programme planning meeting. Some of the topics covered are: • • • • • • •
Knowing rights relevant to us and responsibilities around them. Being aware of other people’s rights Making simple decisions with some assistance. Asking for help when we need it and in an appropriate manner. Taking part in a weekly group meeting and giving our opinions with confidence. Being part of “speaking out “groups in Cheeverstown and in our community. We are also encouraged through our Poms (Personal Outcome Measures) to take control of our lives.
We are becoming more aware of this process by using an interactive tool “Whose Future Is It”. This helps us to understand what meetings are all about. For example: • • •
IPP’s (individual Programme Plan) PP (Personal Planning) PCP (Person Centred Planning)
We got this tool from America. It is brilliant. It breaks everything down into simple words we can understand. It is designed to help people like me with a disability explore what we can do for ourselves while learning the following skills: • • • •
Problem solving Decision making Goal setting and small group communication
When we follow this process we learn how to be more involved in our planning programme and empower us for when we finish our training. We learn skills we need to know to get from one point in our lives to another. Like walking or wheeling across that bridge form Airton road training to the adult world. These skills help us to build that bridge.