A Conceptual Framework of Self-Advocacy for Students with Disabilities

Based on a review of the literature and input from stakeholders, we developed a conceptual framework of self-advocacy involving four components: knowledge of self, knowledge of rights, communication, and leadership. This article summarizes the definitions and components of self-advocacy found in the literature that were used to develop this conceptual framework. The resulting framework of self-advocacy is designed to serve as a guide for instructional planning, curricular design, and assessment of self-advocacy for students with and without disabilities.