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Self-Advocacy in the Workplace

The greatest power is love
The greatest comfort is kindness
The greatest resolution is self knowledge
Author unknown

Self Advocacy—is knowing what you want, knowing what you do well and what you have difficulty doing. Self advocacy is knowing your rights and your needs and expressing that information to the appropriate person.

An effective self advocate must be able to determine the optimum time to make their request(s), recognize an adverse reaction to the request and/or determine if the person receiving the request understands the need and suggested solution. (Sands, D. J. & Doll, B. 1996 Fostering Self Determination is a Developmental Task, Journal of Special Education)

Good self advocacy empowers people and allows them access to reasonable accommodations and strategies. (Brinkckerhoff, 1994, and Weller, Watteyne, Herbert & Creely, 1994)

Becoming a good self advocate is a process. Ideally advocacy skills begin development in middle school. As needs and focus change so should self advocacy skills.

  • Be able to identify yourself by your strengths—I do ____ well, I am comfortable _____, I know _______, It works well for me when ________.

  • Understand your disability and how it impacts your performance. This may require support and assistance from professionals, family members and other adults with learning disabilities. A good place to start is contacting someone from the Adult Issues Committee of LDA of America or your local LDA affiliate office.

  • Familiarize yourself with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehab Act. Know and understand the protections these laws do or do not provide.

  • Get help determining what accommodations (external aids), strategies (personal changes or modifications) and technology (gadgets) will help you. The Job Accommodations Network (JAN) is a federally funded resource that offers individualized information packets, employer information and answers questions about accommodations. Ph: 1-800-526-7234 or http://www.jan.wvu.edu/.

  • Identify who you will discuss your needs with in the workplace. This should be a personal choice made after considering the company policies, the personalities and who actually needs to know. One logical person might be your direct supervisor but the choice should be made carefully and with input from your support circle.

  • Know what you want and how you are going to ask for it before you begin a first conversation. Practice, practice, practice. One strategy that has proven helpful, is role playing the discussion about what your disability is and what strategies, accommodations and technology helps overcome the problem. It is in your best interest to come with suggestions and solutions rather than expecting the employer to figure out what helps. (Washington State Learning Disabilities Project, 1990)

  • Update and Reevaluate. Be up front sharing how much the accommodation and changes worked. Be sure to find out how it has impacted your employer. (Sometimes what started as an accommodation for one, actually improves performance for many). Don’t forget to say thank you for your support, yes it’s the law but a little appreciation goes a long way.

SAMPLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Difficulty reading materials
(memos, e-mails, etc)
  • Assign a reader - use company microphone
  • Highlight important/vital info
  • Record info onto individual’s voice mail
Difficulty following sequences
  • Teach the steps slowly and in order
  • Use markers, color coding, charts and patterns
  • Allow time for practice
  • Develop diagrams or flow charts
Difficulty managing time
  • Use computer, desk calendar, personal alarm (watch, pager)
  • Help set priorities and give adequate warning of changes
Easily Distracted
  • Ask to be in a less distracting place, away from passageways, doors, excess noise and movements.
  • Ask to take shorter but more frequent breaks…2 - minute stretches
  • Hang a “Busy”, No interruptions Sign
Poor Memory
  • Use your own voice-say it again
  • Use sticky notes
  • Use rhymes, chants, songs, rhythm
  • Pictures—draw it, visualize it,
  • Journals, binders, calendars, computer minders

Prepared by:
LDA Adult Issues Committee
4156 Library Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349
March, 2002

Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349
Phone (412) 341-1515 Fax (412) 344-0224
www.LDAAmerica.org

© 2004 LDA of America