Now is the time to learn how to advocate for yourself. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable talking about your disability or asking for help. But, with practice, it will become easier. State and federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA 04), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act were passed to give you an equal opportunity to education and employment. These laws allow you to access the same facilities and programs available to individuals without disabilities. The ADA and 504 also give you the right to request specialized services, devices, or instructional modifications to help you work and learn. It is your responsibility to take advantage of these laws by becoming a self-advocate. There are a number of things you can do to learn how to speak up for yourself and get the help you need in order to be successful:

• Describe your accommodation needs in terms of making things equal, rather than asking for an unfair advantage.
  Some teachers or employers may think that giving you special accommodations is unfair or unnecessary. They may worry about the reactions of other students or employees who think you are getting special treatment. Learn how to describe your accommodation needs in terms of making things equal. It is important that you make it clear that you are not asking for the standards to be lowered, or for extra special treatment, but that you need certain accommodations in order to be successful.

• Develop an assertive style of communication.
  Do not be aggressive, demanding or confrontational. Remember the old adage “You can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar”. But, don’t be passive either. You can stand up for your rights, and be a role model to others, by being polite, respectful, and prepared.

• Practice, Practice, and Practice.
  Speaking up for oneself is easier for some people than for others. For most people, it takes time to develop good self-advocacy skills. Practicing self-advocacy skills while you are still in high school can give you the confidence you will need to advocate for yourself as an adult.

• Identify barriers to effective communication and include specific self-advocacy objectives in your IEP.
  Think about whether you need to develop skills in specific areas such as listening, asking for help, accepting criticism, etc. These are all skill development areas that affect your ability to effectively self-advocate, and can be easily translated into goals for your individualized education program.

• Know when you should and should not disclose your disability.
  Do not use your disability as an excuse to try to obtain compassion or understanding regarding personal problems. Disclose information about your disability only on a “need to know basis”, or when you require accommodations.

Adapted from “An Educational Journey from Self Discovery to Advocacy: A Handbook for Students,” 2003. Debora M. Presbie, MA, Connecticut State Department of Education

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