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Self-Advocacy Tips

Know Yourself and Your Disability

  • Be able to describe your disability to others (in simplified terms), concentrating on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Be aware of your needs and learn how to communicate them to other individuals.  If this is difficult for you, Disability Services can help.


Be Assertive

  • Register with Disability Services.  Make yourself known rather than just being another face in the crowd.  Don’t be afraid to ask for support.
  • Meet individually with your professors at the beginning of the term to discuss any special accommodations you may have as well as their expectations for the term. 
  • If your needs are not being met, speak with the Coordinator of Disability Services as to what steps should be taken.


Know Your Rights

  • Find out what your rights are and the types of services you are entitled to. 

Try New Things

  • Do not be afraid to try new things.  You may find new ways of achieving your goals.


Communicate Effectively

  • Plan out what you want to say beforehand.  It may help to bring notes along if you have specific questions to ask or points to make.

Take Advantage of Resources

  • There are lots of resources for University students.  Find out what is available to you and the types of services they offer and take advantage.