What does sharing my Ideas and using my Voice look like?

Your therapy is for your goals and your needs. No one knows how you feel or what is hard for you better than you do! 

Example: If your occupational therapist is helping you with writing, you can tell them, "My hand gets tired when I hold my pencil this way." 

When you enjoy what you are doing, you learn better and will probably spend more time doing it! Your therapists and support workers can make games and activities that you will love if you tell them your ideas. 

Example: If your speech therapist wants to play a word game, you could say, "Can we play a game about superheroes? I know lots about superheroes!"

When you share your thoughts, your therapists and support workers can learn more about you and how you learn best. 

Example: If an activity feels too hard, you can say, "This is a bit hard for me today. Could we try something a little easier?"
 

Speaking up helps you practice telling people what you need, which is a super important skill for life! 

Example: If you do not understand something, you can say, "Can you explain that in a different way?" 

When you have a say in your therapy, you will feel more in charge and proud of the progress you make. It is your journey!

For example, " I really like playing that game” or you can use your body language, like smiling when they suggest something you like or getting close to get a good look at the activity. 

For example, "This activity is too hard for me right now," or "I don't really feel like drawing today." 

For example, "Can we try this while we build with LEGOs?" or "Could we do something about animals?" 

Like "Why are we doing this?" or "What's this activity going to help me with?"

If you're confused or frustrated, we can sometimes show it with our face or body language – this is okay. This can help others see that something is wrong and then talk about it or make a plan for something different.

Talking is only one way to share our ideas, you can also draw what you mean or point to things.

If you have a Communication board or device you can use this!

• I should be told about what we are doing and why.
• I may need extra time or help to understand, and I should be given this.
• Check with me that I have understood – do not assume that I do.
• Give me a chance to ask questions.
• Answer me honestly.
• Do not give up until I do understand.

• Involve me from the start.
• Remember that I should be able to have a say about things in my daily life, as well as bigger things in my school, community or country.
• Show me that you are listening and taking me seriously.
• Support me to say what I think, in ways that suit me best.
• If I take part, please use what I share to help make decisions.
• Tell me my voice is important. Do not ignore me because it is hard for you to hear what I have to say.
• If you do not use the things that I have said to make changes, explain why to me.
• Be honest. Do not ask for my ideas if it will not make a difference.

• Recognise that I have the right to be involved in all decisions that affect me.
• Always treat me fairly and do not judge me.
• Make me welcome while also thinking about my age, ethnicity, ability, language, culture, religion, where I live and anything else that is important.
• I am different. We are all different. Recognise and celebrate this.

• Use fun activities that a right for me.
• Let me share my own ideas and talents when we work on things together.
• Make sure you use the things that I have said make life better and change the things I have said need to be changed.
• Remember that sometimes I might have trouble speaking for myself and need someone to speak with or for me.

• Remember that it is my choice to take part.
• I may also choose not to. Make sure that this is okay whenever possible.

• I should be given information about my rights.
• You should know who your information is shared with and be able to say yes or no to it.

• You should understand my rights and why it is important to listen to me when making decisions that affect me.
• I have the right to have a voice today, not just in the future when I am older.

Tell me about new ideas and ways to get support so I can decide if they are right for me.

• Understand that sometimes we will think differently or disagree. Make time to talk about this.
• Explain to me what decisions or changes have been made and why.
• Give me a chance to ask questions about the decisions.

Using "I feel..." statements helps you talk about your emotions without blaming anyone.

For example, "I feel frustrated when we do this activity" or “I feel happy when we work on building with blocks."

It is important to share what you like and what you do not like. Your opinion matters and can help to make supports and therapy sessions enjoyable. When we enjoy something we learn more.

You could say things like "I'd prefer to work on art today" or "I don't really like doing that activity."

It is okay to say "no" if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. You can also say no if you really dislike an activity. If you say no, try to suggest a different activity or listen to other ideas from your therapist or support person.

 Can help you understand yourself and how this will work help with your goals.

This helps you understand yourself better.

This helps you practice on your own when they are not there.
 

This helps you understand how the skills you are learning can be used in your everyday life, like at school or when you are with friends.

This can help if you are finding something too difficult, are not enjoying it, or would just like to know some other ways to do something.

This can help when you want to change activities or work on your goal in a different way.

This helps you understand your progress and builds your confidence.

This helps you feel comfortable sharing what is working and what is not, so you can make changes together.

This is a great way for your child to express their emotions without making others feel bad. For example, if they say an activity is "boring," you can help them rephrase it to, "I feel bored when we do that." It helps them take ownership of their feelings. 

Remind your child that asking questions is a sign of being curious and strong. It helps them understand why they are doing certain activities and how those activities connect to their goals. You can even role-play with them beforehand to make it less scary. 

You can also have a look at the "Questions to Ask" sheet together and pick out ones that make sense and would help them share their thoughts and feelings. 

Teach your child that it’s okay to have preferences and say "no" if an activity makes them feel uncomfortable. This helps them learn to set their own boundaries. Encourage them to think of something else, like, "I do not want to do that, but could we try this instead?"