The Hardest Part of Advocacy: Learning When to Step Back

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As parents, educators, or managers, we often feel that advocacy means speaking up, pushing forward, and doing the work for someone else. But the real end goal of advocacy isn’t stepping in — it’s stepping back.

In this episode, Dr. Theresa Haskins explores one of the toughest transitions we face: learning when to shift from speaking for someone to preparing them to speak for themselves. From high school IEP meetings to college disability services, to the workplace where parent involvement isn’t tolerated, she unpacks what stepping back really looks like — and why it’s essential for building trust, independence, and self-advocacy.

You’ll walk away with practical ways to scaffold these conversations, model collaborative communication, and ultimately empower your teen, student, or employee to take ownership of their needs. Because real advocacy isn’t about fighting harder — it’s about setting up others for success.