Section Two
Module One: Needs Assessment

Key Considerations:
In developing a self-advocacy workshop for persons with cross disabilities³, it is important to cultivate group cohesion, which allows participants to connect to one another in ways that foster trust and respect. As part of the initial contact or opening interview with the consumer, the facilitator should inform the potential participant of the Independent Living philosophy and remind him or her that this is the central focus of the series. When consumers are aware of their ability to choose from the onset, they can articulate their own expectations and dictate their own pace as they begin each module. This is also the time to record any physical accommodations that need to be in place before the first group. There may be sensitivity issues, such as allergies to perfume or other products that should be relayed to the other participants. This is the time to make sure that the intended physical space is large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters; the location of plug outlets for tape recorders may also need checking out.

The facilitator should be mindful of not putting his or her expectations for the group onto each participant. Each participant will inevitably learn new information, but what the participant chooses to do with that information is just that--the choice of that participant. The facilitator must take every opportunity to encourage respect for each other's diversities and differences. The group process can be a useful tool for illustrating the equalization of power amongst the participants.

³ A cross disability group consists of persons with various disabilities, such as a person with a visual impairment, a person with a history of mental illness, and a person who has cerebral palsy.