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I Can Succeed!

Skills Development Workshop

disAbled Student Support Services

Lynne D. Hagan, Presenter

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Self Advocacy

Self advocacy is important because you have the ability to promote change and make things better, not only for yourself, but for all people with disabilities.

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What is Self Advocacy?

Knowing yourself and your learning needs Using the strengths you were given Taking control of your own situation Learning who to ask for assistance Knowing how to ask for what you need in a

reasonable and informed manner Being your own best friend

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What is a disability?

Under the ADA, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning, or working.

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What constitutes “qualified?”

A qualified individual is a person who can perform the essential functions of a job with or without a reasonable accommodation and meet the employer’s objective requirements for the job (such as major, technical skills, GPA).

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What is a “reasonable accommodation?” Reasonable accommodation is a legal term

and is defined as “any modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment or the way that things are usually done that enables a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy an equal employment opportunity.”

(U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1992)

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Self Awareness

“Self awareness requires an ever changing understanding of oneself and how one meets the challenges at each stage in life.”

from Adults with Learning Disabilities, Gregg, Hoy, and Gay, editors

Guilford Press, New York, 1996, p. 283.

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Self Advocacy for Job Seekers

Make an informed decision about if, when and how you will self disclose

Put the interviewer at ease Be patient with improper disability etiquette Try to deal with illegal or inappropriate

questions in a positive manner If appropriate, answer any unasked questions

about your ability to do the job

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Self DisclosureWhat are your benefits?

To help others understand your disability To get the right help for your needs To gain acceptance To break down barriers To succeed at Kennesaw State University

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How to Self Disclose

Find your comfort level Focus on your strengths Be a good listener Be brief and stick to the facts Be prepared for disbelief

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When to Self Disclose

When you have reached your comfort level When you know you will be at a

disadvantage in class or exam situations When you must assert your rights

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Student Responsibilities

Use tact when dealing with others Self disclose to warrant accommodations Help your professors understand what is

fair treatment for you Make sure your needs are met Whenever possible, defend your rights to

smooth the path for others

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Student Rights

To define your own success To receive reasonable accommodations To be treated with respect and fairness To contact the office of disAbled Student

Support Services To appeal all grades To feel frustrated and angry occasionally

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Coping with Stress, Anger and Frustration

Establish a positive self-concept Establish a sense of competence Develop self-confidence Adjust to new situations Learn to accept criticism Attempt to curb impulsive behavior

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Coping Constructively with Anger

Identify the causes of your anger How can you handle these causes

differently next time? What can you do to channel anger in a

positive direction?

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Steps Toward Resolving Anger

Ask the person for forgiveness Be willing to accept responsibility Confess your wrongdoing Determine to act rightly Encourage an atmosphere of trust Find appropriate ways to channel anger

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It’s All in the Attitude!

Value your accomplishments Use humor whenever appropriate Develop flexibility Practice positive self-talk Seek self improvement Give yourself an attitude assessment

periodically

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Services Available Through Office of disAbled Student Support Services

Services may include, but are not limited to: Handicap-accessible parking space Special test administration Classroom accessibility Modification of printed materials Sign language interpreter

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Services available through office of disAbled Student Support Services

Assistance with getting class notes Audio recording Library and laboratory assistance Adaptive computer technology Referral to community resources