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A Comprehensive Systems Change Guide for Autistic College Students and Those with Other Disabilities

John Updike

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Published in Empowering Leadership: A Systems Change Guide For Autistic College Students And Those With Other Disabilities

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College can be a challenging experience for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for autistic students and those with other disabilities. This guide provides strategies for navigating the challenges of higher education and advocating for the changes needed to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Empowering Leadership: A Systems Change Guide for Autistic College Students and Those with Other Disabilities

by Jamie Sumner

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	416 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	142 pages

Understanding Your Rights

The first step to advocating for yourself is to understand your rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are two federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities, including students. These laws require colleges and universities to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.

Accommodations can include a variety of things, such as:

* Extended time on tests * A quiet testing environment * Note-taking assistance * Assistive technology * Counseling and support services

If you are not sure what accommodations you need, you can ask your doctor or therapist for advice. You can also contact your college's disability services office.

Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is the process of speaking up for your needs and rights. This can be difficult for autistic students and those with other disabilities, who may be used to being passive or deferential. However, it is important to learn how to self-advocate in order to get the accommodations and support you need.

Here are some tips for self-advocacy:

* Be clear and direct about your needs. * Be assertive, but not aggressive. * Be prepared to provide documentation of your disability. * Be persistent. Don't give up if you don't get what you need right away.

Working with Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff can be an important source of support for autistic students and those with other disabilities. However, it is important to remember that they are not always aware of the challenges you face. It is important to educate them about your needs and how they can help.

Here are some tips for working with faculty and staff:

* Meet with your professors at the beginning of each semester to discuss your needs. * Let your professors know if you need any accommodations. * Be open to feedback and suggestions. * Be respectful of their time and expertise.

Accessing Support Services

Many colleges and universities offer support services for students with disabilities. These services can include:

* Counseling and therapy * Tutoring and academic support * Assistive technology training * Peer support groups * Social skills training

These services can be a valuable resource for autistic students and those with other disabilities. They can help you to succeed academically and socially.

Advocating for Systems Change

In addition to advocating for yourself, you can also advocate for systems change. This means working to change the policies and practices that create barriers for autistic students and those with other disabilities.

Here are some ways to advocate for systems change:

* Join a disability rights organization. * Contact your elected officials. * Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper. * Speak out at public hearings.

By advocating for systems change, you can help to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

College can be a challenging experience for autistic students and those with other disabilities. However, by understanding your rights, self-advocating, working with faculty and staff, accessing support services, and advocating for systems change, you can overcome the challenges and succeed.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who are willing to help you. With the right support, you can achieve your goals and succeed in college.

Empowering Leadership: A Systems Change Guide for Autistic College Students and Those with Other Disabilities

by Jamie Sumner

5 out of 5