Steps to Self Advocacy

Self-advocacy is the ability to identify and explain your needs.

1st step to self-advocacy is to say to yourself, "I am the one who is responsible for my success or failure.

2nd step is to ask yourself, "How does my disability affect me as a student? How do I explain my disability to others? What are my abilities and how can I use them to lead me to success?"

3rd step is to develop good communication skills to request accommodations and services. Successful students plan ahead so they can effectively explain their needs.

4th step is to recognize when you need help and to ask for it.

5th step is to be organized. It relieves stress and demonstrates good planning ability. Here are some helpful hints:

• Use a day planner to record appointments, class schedules, work schedules, exam dates, and assignment due dates.
• Plan a reasonable school, study, social, and work schedule. Allow time for rest and recreation.
• Establish a regular study schedule and study 2-3 hours for each hour you spend in class.
• Organize long-term projects in a step-by-step manner. Schedule deadlines for each step in your day planner.
• Arrive to class on time with homework and assignments completed.
• Discuss and arrange disability services and accommodations you will want at the beginning of each semester with your instructor.
• Allow time for the unexpected such as traffic jams on the way to campus, illness, transportation glitches, or work schedule changes.

Now take some time to think about explaining your disability and accommodations to a professor or your counselor. What would you say?

My disability causes the following problems in learning: (e.g., difficulty taking notes, finishing tests on time)

These problems mean I would like: (list the accommodations you will request)

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