Accessibility and Academic Success: A Guide for Neurodivergent and Disabled Students: Advocacy

You are your own best advocate. Letting people know what you need and want is a skill that you can learn, and it becomes easier the more you do it.

-- Diversity Hub MN

What is Self-Advocacy? Self-advocacy is the ability to understand your needs and effectively communicate them to others in order to ensure that you receive the support and accommodations necessary for success. For disabled students, self-advocacy means taking ownership of your educational journey, understanding your rights, and speaking up to ensure that your needs are met in the classroom, on campus, and beyond. This skill is vital for navigating your academic environment and ensuring equal access to opportunities.

Why is Self-Advocacy Important? As a disabled student, you have the right to access accommodations and support services that help you achieve your academic goals. However, to benefit from these resources, you must advocate for yourself. Self-advocacy is empowering because it allows you to:

• Gain confidence in expressing your needs.
• Ensure that you have the right accommodations (e.g., extended test time, note-taking assistance, quiet spaces).
• Foster independence in managing your academic and personal challenges.
• Develop skills that will help you both in school and in your future career.

Steps to Develop Self-Advocacy Skills

1. Know Your Rights
   The first step in self-advocacy is understanding your legal rights as a disabled student. In the United States, laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensure that students with disabilities have the right to equal access to education and reasonable accommodations. Familiarize yourself with your rights and the process for requesting accommodations at your school.

2. Identify Your Needs
   Reflect on how your disability affects you. Understanding your own needs is essential in advocating for the right support. Consider factors like:

   • Sensory needs (e.g., noise sensitivity, visual aids)
   • Organizational or time management support (e.g., extended deadlines, reminders)
   • Physical accommodations (e.g., accessible buildings, adaptive technology)
   • Social or emotional support (e.g., mental health resources, peer support)

3. Reach Out for Support
   Your school likely has an office dedicated to supporting students with disabilities. This might be called the Disability Services Office, Accessibility Services, or something similar. Reach out to these offices to learn about the accommodations and services available. Don’t hesitate to schedule a meeting with a disability coordinator or advisor who can help guide you through the process of requesting accommodations.

4. Communicate Clearly and Effectively
   Self-advocacy requires clear and assertive communication. Practice explaining your needs in a way that is respectful and direct. Whether you're speaking with a professor, a staff member, or a peer, it’s important to be specific about what accommodations or support you need. For example, instead of saying, “I have trouble in class,” you could say, “I have ADHD, and I would benefit from extended time on tests and being able to take breaks during long lectures.”

5. Document Everything
   Keep records of your communications with professors, disability services, and any other parties involved in supporting you. This documentation may include emails, meeting notes, and any forms you submit. Having a written record can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your needs are properly addressed.

6. Be Persistent
   Self-advocacy is not always a quick process, and it may take time to get the support you need. Sometimes you might need to follow up or clarify your requests. Sometimes your needs change. Be persistent—remember, you are advocating for your right to have the tools and resources necessary for your success.

7. Seek Peer Support
   Joining student groups or online communities for disabled students can be incredibly helpful. These groups provide a space to share experiences, learn about others' advocacy strategies, and gain moral support. Peer advocates can also help you navigate the system, and you may find mentors who can share their tips for success.

Tips for Successful Self-Advocacy

• Be confident: You are the expert on your own needs. Trust your experience and communicate confidently.
• Be prepared: Anticipate challenges and plan how you will address them before they arise.
• Know your goals: Understand what you need in order to succeed academically. Don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations that will help you reach your potential.
• Stay organized: Keep track of meetings, deadlines, and any necessary documentation to help you stay on top of your advocacy efforts.
• Be respectful and professional: When discussing your needs, always approach conversations in a polite and respectful manner, even if you're feeling frustrated. Professional communication can help foster positive relationships with faculty and staff.

How Self-Advocacy Helps You Beyond College Developing self-advocacy skills in college not only benefits you academically, but also equips you with lifelong tools for navigating the workforce and other environments. In your future career, you may need to communicate your needs for workplace accommodations, or you may advocate for yourself in other personal and professional settings. The confidence and experience you gain through self-advocacy in college will support your continued success.

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