Self-Advocacy Guide

Home Self-Advocacy Guide

This page is for people with disabilities and for family members who want to speak up for themselves or someone they support. Self‑advocacy means knowing your rights, making choices, and speaking up in ways that work best for you. There is no one “right” way to self‑advocate.

The Basics of Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy means:

  • Knowing what you need
  • Understanding your rights
  • Speaking up or taking action to protect those rights
  • Asking for help or support when needed

Self-advocacy does not mean:

  • Doing everything alone
  • Being confrontational or rude
  • Knowing all the answers
  • Never needing support

You can self-advocate in many ways, including writing, speaking, asking questions, filing complaints, voting, or sharing your story.

Types of Self-Advocacy

Resolving a Problem

This type of advocacy focuses on fixing an issue you are experiencing.

Examples:

  • Asking a school to add services to an IEP
  • Requesting a reasonable accommodation at work
  • Filing a complaint when a service is denied

Systems Change

This type of advocacy aims to improve laws, policies, or practices for many people.

Examples:

  • Writing or calling an elected official
  • Supporting a bill or policy change
  • Serving on an advisory council

Resolving Problems

Know Your Rights

Understanding your rights makes it easier to explain your concerns or why your request is fair or necessary.

  • Learn the laws or policies that apply (Check out DRSC Resource pages to learn more about your rights)
  • Bring written copies or notes if needed
  • Refer to them politely during the conversation

Example:

Under the ADA, I can request reasonable accommodations to perform my job. I am asking for a modified break schedule that allows me to meet my medical needs.

Documenting What Happens

Keeping records can make self-advocacy easier and stronger. Document things such as letters, emails, phone calls, events, or meetings. Documentation helps you explain what happened, supports complaints or appeals, and protects your memory over time.

How to document:

  • Write notes as soon as you can
  • Use facts, not opinions
  • Keep copies of emails, letters, and forms

Save documents in one place. Some ideas are to:

  • Use the notes app on your phone
  • Email yourself
  • Write in a calendar
  • Take photos or screenshots
  • Save papers into a file folder or binder

What to document:

  • Dates, times, and locations
  • Names and job titles
  • What was said or done
  • What outcome you want

Example:

March 3, 2026 – Spoke with school administrator about transportation. Request for accessible bus was denied. Follow-up email sent same day.

Preparing for a Conversation or Meeting

Before talking with someone to resolve a problem such as a school, employer, or agency, it helps to plan what you want to say.

  • Decide your main points and desired outcome
  • Write a short agenda or notes
  • Practice what you will say

When You Disagree-Disagree Politely

Polite disagreement helps keep conversations focused on the issue and increases the chance you will be heard. Being polite does not mean staying silent, agreeing, or accepting unfair treatment. You can be respectful and firm at the same time.

Why politeness can help:

  • It keeps conversations focused
  • It reduces defensiveness
  • It shows professionalism

Tips for polite disagreement

  • Stay calm and use respectful language
  • Focus on the issue, not the person
  • Use “I” statements when you can
  • Be clear about what you disagree with and why
  • Know when you need to take a break and then revisit the concern

Helpful phrases

  • I understand your position, but I disagree because…
  • That approach does not work for me because…
  • I see this differently based on my experience…
  • I am asking you to reconsider because…

Example

I understand that this is your current policy. However, this policy does not meet my access needs. I am requesting an alternative that allows equal access.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI): Strengths and Dangers

AI tools can help with self-advocacy, but they also have limits.

Ways AI can help:

  • Drafting emails or letters
  • Organizing your thoughts
  • Explaining complex information in plain language
  • Preparing questions for meetings

Things to be careful about:

  • AI can make mistakes
  • AI may not know current laws or the nuances of applying the law
  • AI should not replace legal advice
  • Do not share private or sensitive information
  • Use AI as a tool — not the final decisionmaker

How to Write a Letter or Email

A good message is clear and focused. Do not write a message to someone when you are upset, wait until you have calmed down.

Basic structure:

  • Who you are
  • What the issue is
  • What you are asking for
  • When you need a response

Example:

I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. I need materials in accessible format so I can fully participate. Please respond by April 10.

Taking Care of Yourself

Self-advocacy can be tiring and stressful. Taking care of yourself can make you a better advocate.   Self care may include:

  • Taking breaks
  • Asking someone else to help
  • Talking with people you trust
  • Setting boundaries
  • Celebrating small wins

Systems Change

Systems change means working to improve laws, policies, programs, or practices so they work better for many people, not just for one person. It is about making long-term improvements that prevent problems from happening in the first place.

You can take part in systems change in many ways. Some people share their own experiences, others contact decision-makers, and some work with organizations or advisory groups. Every action, big or small, can help make a difference.

Voting

Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard. When you vote, you help choose leaders and decide on rules that affect your community, state, and country.

You have the right to accessible polling places, help if you need it, and options like early voting or voting by mail.

Learn More: DRSC Voting Page

Contacting Legislators

Contacting a legislator is a simple but powerful way to advocate for change. Legislators want to hear directly from the people they represent.

You can contact them to:

  • Ask for help with a problem
  • Support or oppose a bill
  • Share how a law or policy affects your life
  • Ask them to take action

Simple structure you can use

  1. Say who you are
  2. Mention that you live in their district
  3. Say why you are writing
  4. Name the issue or bill (if you know it)
  5. Explain how it affects you
  6. Share a real example from your life or your family
  7. Ask for a specific action (for example: vote yes or no)
  8. Thank them for their time

Tips

  • One page or less is enough
  • You do not need to use legal language
  • Short and clear messages are best
  • Personal stories matter
  • Be respectful, even if you are upset
  • Check to see if they have an online submission form on their website.
  • Calling their office and following up with an email can be helpful
  • You can ask a trusted person to help you write or send the letter

Public Comment and Rule-Making

Public comment is a way to share your opinion before a decision is finalized. Agencies allow the public to comment on proposed rules, policies, or changes. Follow agencies on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to get updates from them.

Why this matters

  • Comments become part of the official record
  • Decision-makers are required to review them
  • Even short comments count

How to participate

  • Submit written comments online or by email
  • Speak during a public meeting (in person or virtual)

Example

I am a person with a disability affected by this rule. The proposed changes would make it harder for me to access services. I ask that accessibility be considered before this rule is finalized.

You do not need to be an expert. Sharing how a rule affects you is enough.

Working With Advocacy Organizations

You do not have to advocate alone. Advocacy organizations work on issues that affect many people with disabilities and often look for community input. In SC there are also multiple advocacy days at the State House you can join.

Ways organizations can help

  • Share information and updates
  • Collect stories and data
  • Coordinate group advocacy
  • Speak with decision-makers

How you can get involved

  • Share your story
  • Sign onto a group letter or action alert
  • Join a campaign or meeting
  • Follow and share their advocacy work

Working with others can make systems change more effective and less overwhelming.

Advisory Groups

Advisory groups give feedback to agencies, schools, and lawmakers. People with lived experience are often needed and encouraged to participate.

Why this matters

  • Input happens before decisions are made
  • Lived experience is treated as expertise
  • Changes can happen early, not after harm occurs

Examples

  • Disability advisory councils
  • School or agency committees
  • Task forces or workgroups

You do not need special credentials. Your experience is the qualification.

Personal Storytelling

Sharing your lived experience can influence change and build understanding. You choose what to share and how public you want to be. Personal storytelling is optional.

Examples:

  • Writing an op ed
  • Sharing your story with advocates or the media
  • Talking with lawmakers about your experience

How to tell your story

You can think of your story in a few simple parts. You do not have to include all of them every time.

You may include:

  • What happened
  • How it affected you or your family
  • What needs to change or what you are asking for
  • Try to focus on one main issue and use plain language.

Example

Because transportation was not accessible, I missed medical appointments. This affected my health and my ability to work. This is why accessible transit matters.

Tips

  • Share only what feels safe
  • Keep it short and clear
  • You can write it, say it, or ask someone else to share it for you
  • You can stop or change your story at any time
  • You choose how much to share and where to share it. Sharing your story is a choice, not a requirement.

Disability Rights South Carolina is the Protection and Advocacy System for South Carolina. Please let us know if you would like this information in an alternative format. This publication is funded at taxpayer expense by the US Social Security Administration.  Although the Social Security Administration reviewed this publication for accuracy, it does not constitute an official Social Security communication.