[nabs-l] The import of Self-advocacy

[Michael D Ausbun]

Hello Roanna,
	I’m not really sure how much to say; however, I certainly do agree. Self-advocacy is the difference between success and failure, both in life and at the University. With that said, here is a list of things which I do at the University, in order to be an independent advocator:
1)	I always attempt to establish a connection and meeting with my professors before the semester starts. I introduce myself in an email, let them know my level of vision, and request a meeting. When we meet, we discuss their personal classroom etiquette and expectations, the accommodations which I might need etc. I have never had a situation where a professor was unwilling to work with me within reason (the only times I’ve witnessed professors acting ablest was when the student went over their head). Professors are people too and have feelings.
2)	I always try to gather my books before the semester starts, be that via the DSS office or by requesting them from book share. In the case of requesting from book share, I recognize that it takes a while for books to be available; therefore, I always find out what books I need well in advance, then I request them. Book share can take any ware from a week to four months, depending on the difficulty of the book (logic, math and other visual fields have no descriptions or formula, at least from the discussion I’ve had with book share’s representatives).
3)	I always take time to find out where my classes are located. This is a small thing, but doing so ensures that I can be confident on the first day of class. In class communication with others is heavily reliant upon ones confidence; thus, if you are able to be confident from the start, then you can make friends quicker.
I’m not really sure what else to add off the top of my head; I hope this is adequate. If I remember anything else, I’ll send another email.
Respectfully,
Michael
________________________________________
From: nabs-l [nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Roanna Bacchus via nabs-l [nabs-l at nfbnet.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2015 9:35 AM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabs-l] The import of Self-advocacy

Dear Members,

As a blind college student I've had to advocate for myself
without assistance from others.  Each semester I advocate for
myself by sending out introduction emails to my professors before
classes begin.  I think self advocacy is important because it
allows us to become more independent as blind students.  I'd like
to hear stories about how you've advocated for yourselves.

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