Which approach aligns with empowering a consumer to speak up for themselves in systems and services?

• A. Speak on behalf of the consumer without involving them in the process.
• B. Work with the consumer to develop confidence in speaking up for themselves.
• C. Discourage seeking help from care providers.
• D. Ignore the consumer's participation in decision-making.

Answer: (B)

Empowering the consumer to speak up for themselves means actively building their ability and confidence to advocate for their own needs within systems and services. As a peer support specialist, you collaborate with the person, model respectful advocacy, and provide practical coaching—like helping them articulate preferences, ask questions, request changes, and set goals. This approach honors self-determination and aligns with recovery-oriented, person-centered care, ensuring the consumer’s voice leads decisions about their support.

Speaking on behalf of the consumer without involving them removes their agency and can undermine trust and autonomy. Discouraging seeking help from care providers or ignoring the consumer’s participation in decision-making also blocks access to needed support and denies their right to be involved in their own care.