For people with disabilities (PWDs), knowing how to speak up and advocate for yourself is one of the most important life skills you can develop. Whether it’s at school, at work, or anywhere else with a social component, self-advocacy helps ensure your rights are respected and your needs are met.
Unfortunately, many PWDs feel discouraged from speaking out, either because they want to avoid potential conflict, have faced discrimination in the past, or simply don’t know where to start.
Yet despite these completely understandable misgivings, a person’s best advocate is arguably no one else but themselves. Here’s some simple, practical guidance on how PWDs can take charge of their lives by becoming their own greatest advocate.
What Is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy means knowing what you need, understanding your rights, and being able to communicate clearly and confidently to get the support you deserve. It’s not about being aggressive or demanding, but being informed and assertive.
Anyone can learn to self-advocate. It doesn’t require a loud voice or a strong personality; all you need is the willingness to speak up, ask questions, and not settle for less than basic human decency.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Many systems in society such as education, healthcare, and employment aren’t automatically designed with PWDs in mind. Without speaking up, your needs might be ignored or overlooked. Here are some situations where self-advocacy can make a big difference:
- In School: You may need learning accommodations like extra time on tests, note-taking support, or access to digital materials.
- At Work: You might require an accessible workspace, modified duties, or flexible work hours.
- In Healthcare: You should be able to ask for information in a format you understand or request physical assistance without feeling like a burden.
In most circumstances, it’s often your voice to ask, explain, and request that starts the process for real change.
Simple Steps to Start Advocating for Yourself
1. Know Your Needs
Start by understanding what helps you thrive. What tools, adjustments, or support make life easier or more accessible for you? This could include mobility aids, interpreters, assistive tech, or something as simple as clear communication.
2. Understand Your Rights
Many countries have laws protecting the rights of PWDs, which includes access to education, public spaces, employment opportunities, and healthcare. While the specifics vary from country to country, the principle remains the same: equal treatment. You can research disability rights online or through local disability organizations.
3. Rehearse What You Might Say
While this idea may sound silly at first, not everyone can comfortably assert themselves or communicate in a manner that invites understanding rather than conflict. If you find it hard to speak up in the moment, try writing down what you need beforehand or practicing with a friend or support person. Be clear, calm, and polite, but don’t hesitate to be firm when necessary.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Rely On Someone
Of course, even practice won’t necessarily eliminate a person’s social anxiety nor the sense of feeling unsafe. Or perhaps communication itself may be challenging despite having confidence, due to a speech impediment or other forms of disabilities that limit effective conversation.
In such cases, it’s a great idea to bring someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, caregiver or an advocate. They can help take some burden off you to express your needs and support you during conversations.
5. Document Your Requests
It can be helpful to keep records of important conversations or requests, especially when dealing with schools, workplaces, or medical professionals. Write down dates, names, and what was discussed. This helps immensely if you need to follow up or file a complaint.
References
Covey (2025) The Three Parts of Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities [Accessed 4 July 2025] Available at: https://covey.org/self-advocacy/
Ushas Purohit (2024) Empowering Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities [Accessed 4 July 2025] Available at: https://mindshift.works/empowering-self-advocacy-for-people-with-disabilities/
AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders (2020) Understanding Self-Advocacy [Accessed 4 July 2025] Available at: https://ldaamerica.org/lda_today/understanding-self-advocacy