The Role Of Self-Advocacy In Post-Secondary Education

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There are many skills that Lexington High School students need to practice in order to have a successful transition into post-secondary settings. One of the most important is self-advocacy. Self-advocacy is the ability to understand and effectively communicate one's needs to other individuals. Independent decision-making and having the ability to express one’s needs are critical parts in self-advocacy.

The opportunities for self-advocacy significantly increases as students with learning disabilities enter college. It is important that students have self awareness about his/her disability and how it affects their daily activities, communications, and social interactions. Students should be able to independently describe their learning disability to a variety of audiences and be aware of those in the post-secondary setting who are able to facilitate how to effectively meet their needs.

Students are responsible for informing their professors of their accommodations prior to or within the first few days of classes. It is important for students to get to know their professors in their program and feel comfortable asking for help and attending their professor’s office hours when needed. Prior to exams, students are to make …show more content…

They can help to eliminate barriers that prevent a student from full participation in a program or activity that is offered to the general population. Disability Services Staff can help students identify accommodations to provide them with equal access to curriculum. They can work with students to create an Accommodation Packet, helping to ensure disability-related educational needs are met. Along with helping students transition from high school to college, they can offer techniques to improve learning strategies, study and time management skills, as well as self-advocacy skills. They can also help to facilitate communication amongst professors and

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