Assertiveness Training: Introduction

This lesson series instructs students to communicate assertively as an alternative to passive or aggressive communication. Assertive communication is built on a foundation of self-respect and respect for others. The lesson discussions and exercises equip students to acknowledge their interests, desires, and concerns; advocate for what is important to them; manage conflicts; establish boundaries; and decline requests.

The plan is based on the chapter "Approaches to Increasing Assertive Behavior and Communication Skills in Blind and Visually Impaired Persons," within the book, The Development of Social Skills by Blind and Visually Impaired Students (1992), by Sharon Zell Sacks with Linda Kekelis and Robert Gaylord-Ross.