A consumer is seeking assistance in combating stigma through self-advocacy. What action would the Peer Support Specialist take?

• A. Encourage the consumer to rely solely on support groups for empowerment.
• B. Work with the consumer to develop confidence in speaking up for themselves.
• C. Speak on behalf of the consumer without involving them in the process.
• D. Organize a rally.

Answer: (B)

Self-advocacy means helping the person find and use their own voice to express needs, rights, and preferences across everyday situations. A Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist supports this by coaching and modeling how to speak up in a respectful, clear way, and by giving the consumer opportunities to practice, such as role-playing or scripting what they want to say. This builds confidence and autonomy, so the person can advocate for themselves in healthcare, housing, employment, and social settings, which also challenges stigma by showing that they control their own decisions.

Relying solely on support groups doesn’t develop the individual’s ability to speak up in real-life situations. Speaking on the consumer’s behalf removes their agency and undermines self-determination. Organizing a rally can be part of advocacy, but the main aim here is to empower the person to express their needs directly, in their own words, across daily life.