ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS: BECOMING YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE
Sunday, December 27, 2015
By: Jacqui DeBique

THE POWER OF SELF ADVOCACY

As a survivor of childhood cancer, there's no doubt that you've faced many transitions in your life.  When you were younger, your healthcare was managed by a team of experts as well as your parents.  As the years go by, you're probably finding that you're managing more of your life on your own, whether that means scheduling your own AfterCare appointments, coming up with your own work-related or educational goals or applying for your first job.  In many cases, transitioning from high school to post-secondary, or from school to employment requires you to become more independent and to develop the ability to stand up for yourself, to clearly communicate your needs and goals and to enlist help where appropriate.  

WHAT IS SELF ADVOCACY?

Self advocacy means:

• Knowing as much as possible about your diagnosis, its treatments and the potential effects on your body and mind
• Arming yourself with the tools and skills necessary to feel comfortable asserting yourself when you need something
• Taking as much control as possible over your health, happiness, goals and life in general

WHEN MIGHT YOU NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF?

Some examples might include:

In a job interview

You will need to convince future employers that you are the best candidate for the job by showcasing or demonstrating your skills and background.

Speaking to teachers or professors

If you need classroom accommodations such as visual aids, a note-taker or special test-taking considerations, your teachers and school will need to know this in order to be able to support you.

During a medical appointment

If you don't understand something a doctor or nurse tells you about a treatment, a side effect you might experience or a procedure you have to schedule, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.  The better you understand your own health plan, the more communication you'll have with your healthcare provider and the more comfortable you'll feel.

When you have your own vision for your future

Mom, dad or your teachers may know best a lot of the time, but only you know what you'd really like to study in school or what you'd like your career path to be.  Sharing your goals with these people will help them to work with you to discuss your future and make your dreams a reality!

YOU'RE NOT ALONE

If you're ever unsure of how to handle a situation and need some advice, don't forget about the people who are here to help you.  These can include:

• AfterCare nurses
• Oncologists or family doctors
• Disability resource centres at colleges or universities
• Social workers at your treatment centre
• Teachers or professors
• Parents and trusted friends
• Your SAVTI Counsellor!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT SELF ADVOCACY