Self-Advocacy for Students with Disabilities

What are accommodations for exams?

• Extra time given to all students

• Allowing the use of assistive technology during the exam

• Adjustments or modifications made to the testing environment or conditions to ensure equal access for students with disabilities or special needs.

• Providing a separate room for the exam

What does IEP stand for?

• Individualized Education Program

• Individualized Education Plan

• Intensive Education Program

• Inclusive Education Protocol

How can students develop self-advocacy skills?

• By not taking responsibility for their own learning and success.

• By avoiding asking for help or seeking resources.

• By learning to identify their needs and goals, communicating effectively, seeking support and resources, and taking responsibility for their own learning and success.

• By relying solely on teachers and parents for support.

What does it mean to be assertive?

• Being aggressive and disrespectful

• Being passive and avoiding conflict

• Being indecisive and unsure

• Expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct and respectful manner.

Why is it important for students to ask for help?

• There is no need to ask for help as students can figure everything out on their own.

• Students should ask for help because it promotes learning, clarifies doubts, and enhances communication skills.

• Asking for help shows weakness and lack of intelligence.

• Students should not ask for help because it hinders independent thinking.

What types of accommodations can be provided during exams?

• Use of calculators, access to study materials, flexible scheduling

• Extended breaks, open book exams, group exams

• Extra time, separate testing room, assistive technology, reader or scribe, modified test formats

• Oral exams, take-home exams, use of notes

Who is involved in creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

• Parents or guardians, general education teacher, special education teacher, school administrator, and other relevant professionals

• Parents or guardians, general education teacher, special education teacher, school psychologist, and other relevant professionals.

• Parents or guardians, general education teacher, special education teacher, school nurse, and other relevant professionals.

• Parents or guardians, general education teacher, special education teacher, school counselor, and other relevant professionals.

What strategies can students use to be more assertive?

• Apologize excessively

• Avoid eye contact

• Practice active listening skills

How can students overcome the fear of asking for help?

• Believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

• Rely solely on personal resources to solve problems.

• Acknowledge that asking for help is a sign of strength and start by building a supportive network of peers and mentors.

• Avoid asking for help to maintain independence.

What resources are available to support students with disabilities in high school?

• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services.

• Individualized Education Plans, tutoring services, counseling services, and peer support groups.

• Special education services, IEPs, accommodations, assistive technology, and support from school staff.

• Extra time on exams, modified assignments, and access to a resource room.