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7 Tips for Effective Self-Advocacy

A lot of progress on disability inclusion has been made since the modern disability rights movement started over five decades ago. It’s taken a lot of advocacy for progress to be made.

People with disabilities often have to advocate for themselves. Self-advocacy is:

  • A journey. And taking it one small step at a time, is okay.
  • A powerful tool for ensuring your needs are met; you have equitable opportunities; you’re treated with dignity; and your rights are respected
  • A skill that grows with practice and preparation

 

Every time you speak up for what you need, you’re doing two things:

  • Helping yourself
  • Making the path to real disability inclusion and full participation easier for the next person

 

Here are seven tips for effective self-advocacy.

Tip #1: Know yourself and your needs

You can’t explain your needs to others effectively if you don’t know and understand them yourself. Reflect on your strengths and where you encounter barriers.

Identify specific challenges

VAGUE: “I need help.”
BETTER: “I have trouble reading small print on menus.”

Be clear on what accommodations work best for you (if you need an adjustment).

Tip #2: Educate yourself on your rights

Knowledge is power. Especially when it comes to advocating for disability rights and equity. Be aware of the laws that protect your human rights in Canada.

These are:

 

The New Brunswick Human Rights Act and The Accessible Canada Act provide a legal foundation for accommodation requests.

  • Your request is a right, not a favour. Remembering this can significantly boost your confidence to self-advocate.

You’ll find some summarized information about these human rights laws in the Disability and Human Rights Legislation accordion under General Resources on the Resources Library page.

  • Research the specific policies of your workplace, school or post-secondary institution, or municipal government.

Tip #3: Keep detailed records

A paper trail and/or email trail is your best friend when you’re advocating for yourself. If an accommodation request is denied or a service isn’t provided, having a paper or email trail is essential.

  • Log everything: Keep a notebook or digital file with dates, names of people you spoke with and what was discussed.
  • Follow up in writing: After a verbal conversation, send a brief email to confirm what was talked about and what was agreed to or upon.

Tip #4: Communicate assertively, not aggressively

The goal of self-advocacy is to:

  • Get what you need to succeed
  • Achieve a goal; or
  • Make change happen

 

It’s better to build a partnership with someone who can help you do that. Be collaborative, not adversarial. Communicate clearly, directly and assertively. But be respectful.  

ADVERSARIAL: “You need to give me a private office to work in.”

ASSERTIVE BUT COLLABORATIVE: “I’m most productive when I have a quiet space. Where would you suggest?”

Be clear and direct: State what you need and why it’s necessary.

Tip #5: Prepare and practise

Going into a one-on-one with your manager or your doctor; into a hiring interview; into an accessibility committee meeting; or into a City Council meeting, can be intimidating.

So rehearse what you want to say. And how you’re going to say it. Preparation can help reduce anxiety.

  • Create a script or an outline: Write down your main points in advance. Point form is okay. If you need to fully script what you’re going to say, do it.
  • Role-play: Practise your request with a friend or in front of a mirror. This helps you get comfortable with what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it.

Tip #6: Build a support system

Self-advocacy doesn’t mean you don’t have to go it alone. Self-advocacy is speaking out about barriers you face and what you need to break them down. But your voice can be amplified by others.

  • Bring a “plus one”: If just the thought of an in-person or virtual meeting feels overwhelming, ask someone from your support network to attend with you.  
  • Connect with peers: Join disability advocacy groups or online forums. It’s a good way to learn strategies from others who have navigated similar challenges.
  • Build a support network: Family and close friends, your peers and friends, health care professionals, other disability advocates, community groups.

Tip #7: Have a plan "B" — the right to appeal

Let’s say you make a formal request for a workplace accommodation. And it’s denied. You need to have a “Plan B” for appealing the decision.

  • Formally ask why: If someone says “no,” ask them for the reason in writing.
  • Ask about the appeal process: Most organizations have a formal process for challenging a decision. Knowing the next step can help prevent feeling stuck.
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