Access, Advocacy & Recovery Equity / GRP989
Stigma and Self-Advocacy — Cooperative Planning Workshop
Separate a stigmatizing message from the person's actual needs and rights to respectful care.
40 minutes · 3–12 people · Adults with trained group facilitation
Facilitator PDF · Fillable participant PDF · Open activity / add to session
UNDERSTAND THE IDEA
An access barrier is not a motivation score.
Policies, costs, discrimination, language, digital access, housing, and transport can obstruct care. Naming a barrier accurately can shift a conversation from self-blame toward a concrete support request, service question, or advocacy step.
Facilitation lens: Separate individual actions from changes that require an organization or community response. Do not promise a service will grant a request.
Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.
Try a different interactive experience in the Activity Lab →
Fictional example
A member worries that disclosure will lead to judgment.
Open with choice — 3 minutes
Explain the purpose, privacy limits, and the option to observe, use fiction, adapt, or pass. Check access needs and group readiness; do not promise absolute confidentiality.
Meet the fictional case — 4 minutes
A member worries that disclosure will lead to judgment. Ask what is known, what is assumed, and what the person in the case wants.
Practice: Planning workshop — 26 minutes
Separate a stigmatizing message from the person's actual needs and rights to respectful care. In pairs or small groups, create two possible plans for the fictional case. Compare access, effort, likely tradeoffs, and consent. Choose one reversible trial with a backup and a review point; allow an observing role.
Reflect and compare — 4 minutes
What information and support would help the person choose? Ask what fits, what does not, and what external conditions or supports affect the options. No personal disclosure is required.
Close and integrate — 3 minutes
Invite an optional observation, support request, or small next step. Passing is welcome. Agree how to revisit questions and seek appropriate help outside the exercise.
Practice output
A feasible plan with a support, a backup, and a review question.
Scope and adaptation
Use ordinary or fictional examples, not graphic substance-use stories or cue exposure. No competitive abstinence scoring, forced disclosure, or required pathway. These plans do not manage intoxication, overdose, withdrawal, or medication changes; follow individualized care and appropriate medical assessment.
Offer reading aloud, typing, drawing, pointing, or observation. Avoid mandatory movement, eye contact, touch, and body focus.
Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending.
Conceptual background
References inform broad principles and do not validate or endorse this original plan.