Self-advocacy is a crucial skill for all students, but it's especially important for neurodivergent learners. It means understanding your strengths and challenges, knowing your rights, and effectively communicating your needs to professors, staff, and peers.
Here are some key aspects of self-advocacy:
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're struggling, visit the Student Hub or reach out to Student Services and ask about a support plan. The Union of Students can also help.
Understand Your Needs: Reflect on your learning style, strengths, and challenges. What reasonable adjustments or support would help you succeed? This could include extended time on exams, quiet testing environments, assistive technology, or flexibility with deadlines.
Communicate Effectively: Practice communicating your needs clearly and assertively. Prepare for conversations with lecturers and staff by outlining your concerns and desired solutions. Be prepared to explain how your disability impacts your learning and how specific reasonable adjustments would help.
Know Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with the laws and policies that protect students with disabilities. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 ensures equal access to education for students with disabilities. Understand what reasonable adjustments you're entitled to and how to request them.
Build Relationships: Establish positive relationships with lecturers, advisors, and student services staff. These individuals can be valuable allies in your self-advocacy journey. Attend lectures, participate in tutorials, and seek guidance when needed.
Remember, self-advocacy is an ongoing process. It takes time and practice to develop the skills and confidence to effectively communicate your needs. But by advocating for yourself, you can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment that allows you to thrive.
Here are some valuable online resources on self-advocacy and understanding and championing your own needs:
Websites and Articles:
Neurodiversity Hub: This website offers a wealth of resources on neurodiversity, including articles on self-advocacy, understanding your rights, and communicating your needs.
Admissions Untangled: This website provides guidance for neurodivergent students navigating the college admissions process, including tips on self-advocacy and accessing support services. It's American but a lot of the guidance is equally applicable to the UK context.
ADDitude Magazine: This online magazine offers articles, resources, and community forums for individuals with ADHD, including tips on self-advocacy in academic and workplace settings.
Podcasts:
Play. Learn. Chat.: This podcast features episodes on various topics related to neurodiversity, including self-advocacy, executive function skills, and social-emotional learning.
TILT Parenting: This podcast focuses on supporting parents of differently wired kids, but many episodes offer insights relevant to neurodivergent adults as well, including discussions of self-advocacy and self-acceptance.
Other Resources:
Student Services: Derby has a dedicated student services team that provides support and resources for all students, including guidance on self-advocacy and accessing accommodations.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): Offers government-funded support for UK students with disabilities, including equipment, software, and non-medical helpers. You can apply via this link.