Self Advocacy
Listening. Speaking. Learning Together.
Because being deaf or hard of hearing is essentially an invisible condition, it is easy for those who have typical hearing to overlook how it affects many facets of life. Simple interactions that most people take for granted can be a major challenge for a child who is deaf. In our self advocacy classes, we teach children to use effective communication skills to let others know what they are experiencing, rather than assume that others know, or that others are intentionally excluding them.
These lessons, which are taught in small groups and at age-appropriate levels, provide students with opportunities to practice common experiences that they will have when they transition into their neighborhood schools. Among the many topics covered during their time at DePaul School, self-advocacy is one of the most crucial for ongoing personal and academic success.
Students learn how to:
- Discern social cues
- How to use social media effectively
- How to make good and lasting friendships
- How to ask for help from peers, teachers, coaches, etc.
