A significant factor to personal growth and development is learning how to be independent. Although independence has different parameters for every individual, it’s an important skill to overcome hardships in life, grow as an individual, and flourish into the best version of oneself.
For individuals with disabilities, it may be challenging to self-advocate for independence. In order to promote independence, it’s essential to understand your capabilities and communicate them to those around you. Modern resources and technology make it easier to learn how to foster independence.
Utilize Resources and Technology
Assistive technology and online resources are great ways to learn about independence. Accessible technology, such as mobile devices, are a useful tool to become independent through communication, service platforms, and everyday tasks. Additionally, mobile devices can be used to access online educational resources to help develop independence, such as:
- Facebook groups
- Online communities
- Blog posts or articles
- Learning apps
- Research studies
Communicate
When promoting independence for yourself, communicating with those around you is an excellent first step. Making sure they understand your goals and are willing to work with you to accomplish them is a beneficial way to advocate for yourself. Not only can expressing your goals help your personal growth, but having important conversations with your loved ones is another avenue to promote independence.
Communication with others is key for safety purposes. As you begin to become more independent and engage in things on your own, it’s important to communicate your whereabouts to a trusted friend or family member.
Self-Advocate
The best way to promote independence is to self-advocate! Speaking up and using your voice to convey your goals and progress allows others to understand your point of view. Becoming vocal in groups, community spaces, and amongst your family creates a safe space for you to advocate for yourself and your independence. Learn more about self-advocacy skills and how they can be promoted.
Covey’s Partnership with People First
As a state-wide self-advocacy organization, People First strives to promote and practice self-advocacy through group meetings, discussions, brainstorms, and activities. Covey is proud to partner with the Oshkosh chapter of People First to continue our mission of fostering personal growth opportunities. Through goal discussion, idea sharing, and friendship building, these advocacy meetings help promote independence amongst individuals with disabilities.
Keep an eye out for upcoming meetings on our events calendar.
