Empowering voices with bttr. express
A clear and human first approach to building communication confidence, self advocacy skills, and expressive habits for daily life. Learn how bttr supports adults through regional center funded ILS, communication-focused goals, and Self Determination Program budgets.
Why expressive skills matter
The ability to communicate clearly—and with confidence—is one of the biggest predictors of independence. Many adults with disabilities know what they want, but struggle to express needs, ask questions, or advocate in stressful situations.
Expressive skills support:
- Clearer communication at home and in the community
- Safer decision making around relationships and boundaries
- More independence in appointments, school, or work
- Better understanding of rights and responsibilities
- Reduced frustration, conflict, and misunderstandings
When communication becomes strong and consistent, daily life becomes easier, safer, and more empowering.
What bttr. express is
bttr. express is a coaching track focused on communication confidence and self advocacy. It is not therapy or clinical speech services. It is real life coaching built for daily situations that participants face.
- Speaking up about needs and preferences
- Communicating clearly with staff, family, and professionals
- Practicing self advocacy in simple steps
- Building emotional awareness and communication boundaries
- Preparing for meetings, appointments, and community interactions
Coaching is provided through ILS, enhanced communication supports in Self Determination, or blended goal plans depending on your Individual Program Plan.
Communication coaching through regional center
Many participants receive expressive communication support under their ILS authorization. These goals are written into the Individual Program Plan under independence, communication, or community outcomes.
Regional center funded expressive coaching may include:
- Practicing communication routines in daily settings
- Role playing difficult conversations
- Preparing questions for doctors, teachers, or employers
- Building confidence around boundaries and consent
bttr handles the coaching, documentation, staffing, and communication with coordinators.
Express coaching through Self Determination Program
Expressive communication support fits naturally into the Self Determination Program. Participants may choose to use their individual budget to customize communication coaching beyond traditional ILS.
In SDP, participants may choose:
- Shorter, more frequent communication coaching sessions
- Support with emails, messages, or phone communication
- Self advocacy training tied to person centered plan outcomes
- Community coaching to practice communication in real places
- Blended tech and express coaching using apps for reminders or scripts
Everything must match IPP outcomes and SDP rules, but the structure is fully customizable.
Core EXPRESS skills at bttr
Coaching focuses on real life communication—not worksheets, not generic scripts. Skills are practiced in ways that match each person’s communication style.
- Speaking up. Expressing needs, preferences, and feelings
- Self advocacy. Knowing rights, asking questions, using your voice
- Emotional awareness. Understanding feelings and responding safely
- Conversation skills. Starting conversations, staying on topic, asking follow up questions
- Practicing boundaries. Saying “no,” avoiding pressure, recognizing unsafe situations
- Appointment confidence. Preparing questions and communicating clearly with professionals
- Conflict resolution. Using respectful language and problem solving steps
Weekly coaching structure
Expressive skills grow with repetition, real life practice, and a safe environment to try new things. Each week is structured around simple, predictable routines.
A typical week with bttr. express may include:
- Role playing conversations or upcoming situations
- Practicing communication scripts for doctors or employers
- Reviewing a challenge from the week and finding solutions
- Working on tone, pacing, and emotional expression
- Community based practice in real stores, offices, or appointments
Communication safety and boundaries
Safety is a major part of bttr. express. Coaching helps participants understand which situations are safe and which require help or firm boundaries.
Nos centramos en:
- Understanding healthy and unhealthy communication
- Recognizing manipulation, pressure, or unsafe conversations
- Practicing how to say “no” clearly and respectfully
- Understanding privacy, consent, and personal information
- Learning when to ask for help and how to do it effectively
Examples of EXPRESS goals
Example, building confidence speaking up
- Practicing how to ask for help at home or in the community
- Using communication tools to express preferences
- Trying new scripts for “I feel” statements
- Reporting concerns in a safe and clear way
Example, preparing for appointments
- Writing simple questions for doctors or therapists
- Practicing how to explain symptoms or concerns
- Using apps or notes to remember what to say
- Understanding follow-up steps in plain language
Example, building safer communication boundaries
- Learning how to decline unsafe requests
- Practicing what information to keep private
- Recognizing red flags in conversations
- Identifying trustworthy people and how to seek support
How to start with bttr. express
Express coaching can begin through regional center ILS or through the Self Determination Program.
- Talk with your regional center service coordinator about communication or self advocacy goals
- If you are in SDP, include expressive coaching in your spending plan
- Connect with bttr to discuss your communication style and goals
- We match coaching with your Individual Program Plan or SDP outcomes
Once coaching begins, we build expressive confidence step by step—with practice, clarity, and support.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is bttr. express therapy
No. It is coaching focused on daily communication, not clinical treatment. Participants who need speech therapy or behavioral therapy can combine those services with bttr. express.
Can communication coaching happen in the community
Yes. Many expressive goals happen best in real environments like stores, offices, classes, or appointments.
Can you help with emails or phone communication
Yes. Coaches can support writing messages, making calls, leaving voicemails, and practicing scripts.
Is expressive coaching appropriate for all support levels
Yes. Skills are adapted to each person’s communication style, cultural background, and learning pace.
Can express goals blend with other bttr skill tracks
Absolutely. bttr. express often overlaps with bttr. life, bttr. tech, and bttr. connect for full independence support.