|
Section 4: Preparation
MO-AHEAD >
Table of Contents > Section
4.6
Tips on
Self-Advocacy
Communicating your needs
effectively involves a number of factors. Students with disabilities
who succeed in postsecondary education generally possess the
following characteristics:
-
Ability to articulate
one's talents and abilities clearly
-
Knowledge of the
nature of one's disability and of the kinds of teaching
strategies, tools and services, which best help one compensate
-
Maturity and
initiative to assume the greater share of one's own advocacy
-
Adherence to
effective, routine study habits to whatever degree is necessary
for success
-
Acceptance of the fact
that they may need help and the initiative to seek assistance
for academic and other problems as appropriate
-
Acceptance of the idea
that it may take longer to graduate than one's friends and that
he/she may have to study harder than friends
-
Recognition of the
concept that postsecondary education is meant to be a challenge
and that temporary frustrations are a part of the normal growth
process
-
Regular, frequent
communication with parents, friends, classroom professors,
academic advisors, and support services personnel
It has also been observed
that the college-level student with a disability must be
self-reliant and able to cope with the ever-changing challenges of
daily living. Students with disabilities who have learned to rely
heavily on both parents and teachers to direct them and manage their
lives may have difficulty adjusting to the demands of college life.
Thus, as a student, the task is to find a college/university that
will stretch and develop talents, interests, and abilities while at
the same time be respectful and supportive of needs.
Virginia
Department of Education, Student Services. (June 1993). Directory of
Postsecondary Opportunities for Students with Disabilities at
Institutions of Higher Education in Virginia.
[back]
|