Unit 8: How do I use self-advocacy to navigate my future?

Unit 8 is about self-advocacy in the context of disability rights and disability identity. The content for this unit was co-authored by two college-educated young people with disabilities who became strong self-advocates.

Section 1 sets the stage for self-advocacy by introducing disability as a component of self-discovery. Understanding disability as only a medical condition is contrasted with the lived experience of encountering barriers in society. This perspective is further explored through comedian and disability activist Zach Anner’s funny but poignant quest to navigate the mostly inaccessible streets of New York in search of a rainbow bagel. 

Section 2 focuses on using disability rights laws to self-advocate. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is reviewed. The central concept of self-disclosure is explored as a dimension of self-advocacy. Students practice writing a self-disclosure script for use in postsecondary settings like college or jobs. 

Section 3 concludes the course by embracing the concept of disability as being part of a community of people with similar experiences in the world. The history of the disability rights movement is briefly introduced in the context of the larger community of people whose self-advocacy led to the historic disability rights laws. The concept of disability as an identity is introduced in the context of finding a common identity.

Course Instructor

Daniel Cochrane Author

• Before starting this course you must complete the required prerequisite course: Unit 7: Do I need technology?