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(Young, 2025)
Explore this article to learn practical strategies for self-advocacy in college. By speaking up for your needs and accessing the supports available to you, you’re taking an important step toward achieving your goals.
National Center for Learning Disabilities: Self Advocacy Education
Developing self-advocacy skills is essential for students with disabilities, particularly those transitioning from high school to college. Key self-advocacy skills include the ability to disclose and explain one’s disability, communicate effectively with educators, and request accommodations. Unfortunately, these skills are rarely taught systematically in schools. As a result, there is a significant gap for students entering post-secondary education institutions, making it difficult for them to disclose their disabilities or manage accommodations effectively. This lack of preparation can negatively impact students’ academic success and confidence. The National Center for Learning Disabilities advocates for increased access to resources, improved educator training, and policy changes that would incorporate self-advocacy instruction into school curricula.
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, colleges can take steps to ensure students with disabilities are successful in college. These include:
Fostering a campus culture that encourages self-advocacy and accessible learning.
Clearly communicating the process for students to request or transfer accommodations.
Training professors to design inclusive courses.
Providing easy-to-understand materials that explain student rights and essential self-advocacy skills.
Offering workshops, peer or professional coaching, and student support groups to help learners:
Practice advocating for their needs.
Build a sense of community.
Investing in ongoing professional development for disability services staff.
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