Michelle Steiner

When you have a disability, ensuring that you get accommodations is important. Accommodations provide a way for you to learn, work, and live your life with a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that a person with a disability can receive accommodations in school and on the job. The ADA also requires that public settings be accessible for all using universal design. The beauty of universal design is that elevators, automatic doors, and curb cuts benefit all people, not just people with disabilities. The disability legislation has made it possible for people with disabilities to get services. However, the most important voices are those of people with disabilities advocating for themselves. Advocating may seem intimidating or scary at first. Many people fear rejection or being dismissed for having a disability. Advocacy is essential for the people with disabilities to get their needs meet.

The first step to asking for disability accommodations is knowing what your disability is. I can remember being diagnosed with a learning disability in kindergarten. My parents explained that I learned differently. As I grew, my understanding of my disability increased. I realized how my disability affected me not only in academics, but in the community as well.

It’s also important to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. People with disabilities have things that they are good at and things that they struggle with as well. Another important thing is to know what strategies help compensate for your disability. I can remember my teachers giving me strategies such as extended test time, reading the test aloud, and using a piece of paper to help me visual track when reading. I used extended test time and a note taker when I went to college. I learned how to use resources to navigate the community, such as an elevator rather than an escalator. I am unable to drive because of my vision perception, but I can walk or get a ride to where I need to go. Focusing on what I can do is more empowering than focusing on what I can’t.

After you know what your disability is, then you need to disclose your disability to your school or employer to receive accommodations. It is important to note that you can chose whom you wish to disclose your disability to. You may also need to provide documentation of your disability. Disability disclosure has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages of disclosing your disability is it lets others know what you need to be successful. Disability disclosure also can explain why you may have been struggling with school or work.
One of the disadvantages of disclosing one’s disability is that often people with disabilities are dismissed as having nothing wrong with them or that they are looking for the easy way to get out of doing work. People can’t see my learning disability and are shocked when they find out I have one. I have had people tell me that I couldn’t have a learning disability because I have accomplished so much or that I don’t look disabled. What many people don’t understand is that just because you can’t see my disability, it is there. I have also been able to accomplish many things because I have worked hard and found different ways to do things. If I don’t use accommodations, then I struggle with many tasks.

When you disclose your disability to a professor or boss, it is best to talk privately. I remember introducing myself to new professors at the start of every semester. I explained that I had a learning disability and I would be using extended test time. It is important to explain your disability in simple, positive terms that pertain to the job or school duties. You may want to leave out how the disability impacts you outside of work or school. I also try to emphasize what I can do rather than what I can’t do. I may not be able to help someone with doing math, but I can help with reading or other subjects.

Disclosing your disability is a skill that gets easier with experience, the more you advocate for yourself. My parents advocated for me when I was a child, but I have to advocate for myself now. Practicing disclosing your disability with a friend or family member may be helpful as well.

If you are not successful at a job or school with disability accommodations, don’t be discouraged. There are many other jobs and schools available. I have had many jobs that didn’t work out. I also struggled with many classes, despite accommodations. It does get better and greater opportunities are out there. You may also need different accommodations depending on the situation. I have to find new ways to do things and often have to relearn how to do something I could do previously.

Asking for disability accommodations may not always be the easiest task, but it’s important to use strategies to help your disability. Disclosing your disability helps your employer or professor to know what your needs are. Having a student or employee with a disability also provides a richer environment of understanding. Many people have inaccurate perceptions of people with disabilities. Disclosing disabilities in a calm, positive manner shows what an asset you can be to a school or place of employment. Finally, the right accommodations can help you perform the task at hand and give you the satisfaction of a job well done.