Advocate for Your Needs and Access Support
Building a meaningful career that uses your strengths and supports your interests can improve overall job satisfaction. To do your best work, you may need adjustments to your environment or supportive tools. That’s where self-advocacy comes into play which helps you speak up for your needs, make informed decisions about support, and maintain equal access to opportunities.
Use the checklist below as a starting point to identify workplace barriers, plan your approach, and follow through on next steps.
Workplace Self-Advocacy Checklist for Employees with Disabilities
Outline What Is Expected of You in Your Current Role
Clarify your key duties and performance expectations by reviewing your job description and talking with your manager. Take note of when and where you are most productive, so that any support requests remain focused on your essential job functions.
Determine Your Strengths and the Value You Bring
Identify 3–5 strengths you frequently demonstrate in your role, and connect each to specific metrics, accomplishments, or positive feedback you’ve received. Reuse this language in check-ins and reviews to connect support needs to performance.
Pinpoint the Barriers
Determine which job tasks are impacted and clearly describe any work-related limitations you encounter. Link each barrier to a key duty so you can request changes that help you do your job more effectively.
Know Your Rights and Your Company Process
Review your rights using credible sources (for example, ADA.gov) and learn your organization’s accommodation process. Requests can be made in plain language, and you and your employer can work together through an interactive process to identify an effective solution.
Plan Your Self-Advocacy Conversation
Prepare a brief request that links (1) the job duty, (2) the limitation, and (3) an accommodation solution, and be open to alternatives. Ask about next steps and when you can expect a decision.
Request a Reasonable Accommodation
Follow your company’s process and describe the change you need due to a disability or medical condition, focusing on the work-related limitations and job tasks. If documentation is requested, ask what is needed, how it will be kept confidential, and keep a record of dates, decisions, and outcomes.
Explore Tools and Assistive Technology
Use resources like Ask JAN A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations to identify accommodation ideas and tools that reduce barriers. Consider what you need to use them effectively, such as access, training, or approvals.
Follow Up, Reassess, and Escalate When Needed
Follow up promptly if timelines are delayed, and be sure to document all decisions, trial periods, and outcomes. If an accommodation is not effective, ask to revisit options and identify an alternative that works.
Workplace self-advocacy is a practice, not a one-time conversation. Use this checklist to prepare, communicate clearly, and follow through so you can do your job effectively with the access and support you deserve.
Visit the recorded webinar, Empowering Your Career: Tools and Tips for Workers with Disabilities, to learn more about self-advocacy strategies, navigating accommodations, and workplace resources.
Connect with UMGC Career Services
For additional information or support, please set up an appointment with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist. For more information about Accessibility Services at UMGC, visit here.
Jennifer Lucke is a Career Advising Specialist at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she supports adult learners and non-traditional students as they navigate meaningful career transitions. In her work with the School of Integrative and Professional Studies, she partners with students and alumni to build confidence, clarify goals, and take purposeful steps toward the next stage of their careers.
Her advising approach is grounded in strengths-based, solution-focused practices and shaped by a commitment to creating a supportive, approachable environment where advisees feel understood and empowered. She provides individualized advising, resume and interview preparation, job search guidance, and career assessments. Additionally, she has designed and facilitated several initiatives aimed at strengthening college student engagement, personal and career identity development, and overall career readiness.
Jennifer holds a Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Development from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Carolina University. She is also a Certified Career Counselor (CCC) through the National Career Development Association and remains committed to lifelong learning through ongoing engagement with the NCDA and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
