See the outcome

It’s easy to get distracted when faced with an advocacy issue.  Getting what you need requires being able to describe it so that others understand the request or issue.   Be clear, specific, and brief in developing your communication self-advocacy message.  

Think of this as meeting someone on an elevator and in less than two (2) minutes describing the problem and how you would like to resolve it.   Some things to think about are:  

• What is your goal? 
• What actions or steps need to happen to achieve your desired outcome? 
•  Who is responsible to take these actions or steps?  
• Who has the authority to act?  

Answering these questions can help you develop a quick road map of how to proceed.    This is not a fixed in stone plan, but a guide that can be modified as you navigate the situation after gaining more information. Write down your needs and preferences.  This does not need to be shared but can be used as a memory jogger and to keep you on point. 

Accommodations and modifications are not one size fits all.  Your request will be unique and specific to the circumstances required for disability mitigation.  This may be different than what others involved have in mind.  The goal is to have the conversation and work together to resolve things.