1 I Can Succeed! Skills Development Workshop disAbled Student Support Services Lynne D. Hagan, Presenter

2 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.

3 What is Self Advocacy? n Knowing yourself and your learning needs n Using the strengths you were given n Taking control of your own situation n Learning who to ask for assistance n Knowing how to ask for what you need in a reasonable and informed manner n Being your own best friend

4 What is a disability? n 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.

5 What constitutes “qualified?” n 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).

6 What is a “reasonable accommodation?” n 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)

7 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.

8 Self Advocacy for Job Seekers n Make an informed decision about if, when and how you will self disclose n Put the interviewer at ease n Be patient with improper disability etiquette n Try to deal with illegal or inappropriate questions in a positive manner n If appropriate, answer any unasked questions about your ability to do the job

9 Self Disclosure What are your benefits? n To help others understand your disability n To get the right help for your needs n To gain acceptance n To break down barriers n To succeed at Kennesaw State University

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

11 When to Self Disclose n When you have reached your comfort level n When you know you will be at a disadvantage in class or exam situations n When you must assert your rights

12 Student Responsibilities n Use tact when dealing with others n Self disclose to warrant accommodations n Help your professors understand what is fair treatment for you n Make sure your needs are met n Whenever possible, defend your rights to smooth the path for others

13 Student Rights n To define your own success n To receive reasonable accommodations n To be treated with respect and fairness n To contact the office of disAbled Student Support Services n To appeal all grades n To feel frustrated and angry occasionally

14 Coping with Stress, Anger and Frustration n Establish a positive self-concept n Establish a sense of competence n Develop self-confidence n Adjust to new situations n Learn to accept criticism n Attempt to curb impulsive behavior

15 Coping Constructively with Anger n Identify the causes of your anger n How can you handle these causes differently next time? n What can you do to channel anger in a positive direction?

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

17 It’s All in the Attitude! n Value your accomplishments n Use humor whenever appropriate n Develop flexibility n Practice positive self-talk n Seek self improvement n Give yourself an attitude assessment periodically

18 Services Available Through Office of disAbled Student Support Services Services may include, but are not limited to: n Handicap-accessible parking space n Special test administration n Classroom accessibility n Modification of printed materials n Sign language interpreter

19 Services available through office of disAbled Student Support Services n Assistance with getting class notes n Audio recording n Library and laboratory assistance n Adaptive computer technology n Referral to community resources