What is self-Advocacy?

Teaching self-advocacy is one of the most important steps in preparing students with learning disabilities or ADHD for success in college and beyond. Self-advocacy involves understanding one’s own needs, confidently expressing them, and seeking the necessary support or accommodations to succeed.

For students with learning disabilities, developing these skills isn’t just about academics—it’s about building lifelong confidence and independence. It all starts with self-awareness. In this episode/blog, we’ll explore practical strategies for teaching self-advocacy and fostering a sense of empowerment in students with learning disabilities.

What is Self-Advocacy, and Why Does it Matter?

Self-advocacy is the ability to:

• Recognize and understand your disability inside and out.
• Know your strengths and limitations. 
• Effectively communicate how your disability impacts you.
• Seek the support, resources, and accommodations you need.

For students with learning disabilities, the knowledge and  skills are vital for navigating the challenges of college independently, requesting accommodations, and managing their needs. Thus, self-advocacy is a lot more than just speaking up.

This means that your student has to know their disability inside and out and be able to communicate it effectively. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it. You cannot self-advocate from a place of ignorance. Otherwise, what is your student speaking up about? 

Not convinced? Here’s a list of some of the benefits of self-advocacy. 

The Benefits of Teaching Self-Advocacy:

• Builds confidence and self-esteem.
• Encourages independence and problem-solving.
• Reduces reliance on parents or teachers. (less pressure on you)
• Prepares students for future workplace advocacy.

Steps for Building Confidence in Students with Learning Disabilities Through Self-Advocacy

1. Foster Self-Awareness

The foundation of self-advocacy lies in understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs. Self-awareness is the foundation upon which self-advocacy is built. The more your student knows about their disability the better. 

How to Promote Self-Awareness:

• Encourage Reflection: Ask students to identify their challenges and what helps them succeed. For example, extended test time or a quiet study environment.
• Teach Them About Their Diagnosis: Provide age-appropriate information about their learning disability or ADHD. Understanding their condition helps them articulate their needs.
• Focus on Strengths: Highlight their unique skills and abilities to build confidence. 

Actionable Tip: Create a simple self-awareness worksheet where students list their strengths, challenges, and effective strategies.

Don’t have time to create one? No problem! I created one for you, my Soft Skills Planner. It’s more than just a checklist. It helps your student self-assess the skills essential for college success. Click the link below to learn more. 

Soft Skills Planner

2. Teaching Self-Advocacy: Effective Communication Skills

Self-advocacy requires clear and confident communication. Many students with learning disabilities may struggle with expressing their needs, making this a critical area to address.

Strategies to Develop Communication Skills:

• Practice Scripts: Teach students how to describe their learning disability and accommodations in a clear, concise manner. Example: “I have dyslexia, and I benefit from receiving assignments in digital formats.”
• Role-Playing: Simulate common scenarios, such as requesting accommodations from a professor or asking for clarification in class.
• Focus on Assertiveness: Teach students to advocate for themselves respectfully without being passive or aggressive.

Actionable Tip: Encourage students to practice these conversations at home or with a trusted mentor.

3. Build Problem-Solving Skills

Self-advocacy often involves overcoming obstacles, such as denied accommodations or unfamiliar academic challenges.

How to Build Problem-Solving Confidence:

• Teach Steps for Resolving Issues: Help students break problems into manageable steps. Example:
  1. Identify the problem (e.g., a professor isn’t providing accommodations).
  2. Brainstorm solutions (e.g., meet with the professor, contact disability services).
  3. Take action.
• Normalize Setbacks: Remind students that challenges are part of growth and learning.

Actionable Tip: Role-play a scenario where a student encounters an issue, like a misunderstanding about accommodations, and guide them through resolving it.

5. Encourage Gradual Independence

Students won’t become confident self-advocates overnight. Building independence is a gradual process that starts well before college.

Steps to Encourage Independence:

• Begin in high school by involving students in IEP or 504 Plan meetings.
• Gradually transfer responsibilities, such as having them email teachers about accommodations.
• Provide opportunities for them to advocate in low-stakes environments, like extracurricular activities, making doctor appointments, or ordering take out. .

Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins to reinforce their progress and confidence.

Want to learn more? 

Here’s an episode focused on how to teach independence in practical ways. 

Ep 63 How To Improve Self-advocacy Skills At Home that Really Work.

Tips for Parents: Supporting Without Overstepping

As a parent, your role is to guide and encourage rather than take over.

• Be a Mentor, Not a Manager: Offer advice when asked, but let your student take the lead.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of solving problems, ask, “What do you think would work here?”
• Respect Their Independence: Step back and allow them to make mistakes—they’re a crucial part of learning.

Curious to know more? Here’s an episode of the podcast that can help. 

Ep 114 Support Independence in College Students While Staying Informed

Final Thoughts on Building Self-Advocacy in Students with Learning Disabilities

Teaching self-advocacy is about more than academic success—it’s about empowering students to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and independence. By fostering self-awareness, teaching communication skills, and providing the right tools and resources, you can help your student take charge of their future.

With your guidance, they’ll not only learn how to advocate for themselves but also gain the confidence to thrive in college and beyond.

To help you and your student, I wrote a book all for teaching self-advocacy for college. It’s a game changer. Here’s what one parent wrote about the book on my IG post for the book. 

“I can’t recommend this resource highly enough! This gave us the mental attitude and game plan to make the transition to college easier and more effective than I ever imagined it could be!” M.R.