Self-Advocacy Guide

This guide was created by the SAS Advisory Group. Huge thank you for all the great conversations and support in creating this resource!

Purpose of the Guide

To be make the most out of your experience in higher education, it is important to be able to self-advocate. Self-advocacy consists of a range of skills that  you can learn to use to help you meet your goals. 

Even though self-advocacy is important, it is also not something that we all know how to enact effectively. Sometimes we don’t know what to ask for or how to ask. Self-advocacy is not always easy, but the good news is that there are essential skills that you can learn to become a more effective self-advocate. So, how can you be an effective self-advocate? 

The purpose of this guide is to help students both with and without disabilities understand more about self-advocacy at UNH. Our focus will be on people with disabilities and the accommodation process, but we hope that all people can learn more about these essential skills.

Students outside dorm on campus

What is Self-Advocacy?

Learn more about what self-advocacy is and isn't within higher education.

Professor talks to student at UNH

Self-Advocacy Essentials

Explore some of the essential things to know and do for effective self-advocacy. 

Instructor and students in classroom

Self-Advocacy Process

Explore the steps you can take to be an effective self-advocate. 

Students sitting outside using laptops

Sample Emails and Scripts

Access some examples to help you get started.