Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Have you ever felt hesitant to ask for what you need at work because you’re afraid of being labeled difficult? You’re not alone. Research shows that many people with disabilities remain silent in fear of judgment, worried that speaking up might make them seem ungrateful or burdensome. But here’s the truth: self-advocacy is one of the most empowering actions you can take to create a successful career.

Learning how to advocate for yourself—whether it’s asking for workplace accommodations, discussing career advancement, or promoting workplace inclusion—can open doors to opportunities you deserve. Let’s explore how to overcome the fear of self-advocacy and take control of your professional growth.

How to Confidently Ask for Workplace Accommodations Without Feeling Like a Burden

It’s common to feel nervous about requesting accommodations, but remember: accommodations aren’t a favor—they’re a right. They exist to support you in being the most effective employee you can be. The key is to approach the conversation with confidence and clarity.

Steps to Request Workplace Accommodations:

1. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or relevant workplace legislation so you understand the accommodations you’re entitled to.
2. Be clear and specific: Identify exactly what you need—whether it’s flexible hours, assistive technology, or adjustments to your workspace. Make sure you can clearly explain how these accommodations will help you perform at your best.
3. Frame it positively: When asking for accommodations, emphasize how these adjustments will help both you and the company. You could say:

“I want to be as productive and effective as possible, and having [specific accommodation] would allow me to do that.”

Practice your conversation: If you’re nervous, rehearse what you’ll say with a mentor or trusted colleague before speaking with HR or your manager.

Example Script:
“I’ve been thinking about how I can maximize my productivity in this role. I believe having [accommodation] will help me contribute even more effectively. Can we discuss how we can implement this?”

By focusing on how the accommodations will benefit your work performance, you create a conversation based on mutual benefit rather than personal demands.

Once you’ve taken steps to ensure you have the right accommodations, it’s important to also think about advancing your career. If you feel overlooked for promotions, self-advocacy can help shift that narrative.

How to Advocate for Career Advancement When You Feel Overlooked

Many people with disabilities feel like they’re stuck in their current roles, especially when they see their colleagues getting promotions. This is where advocating for your career growth becomes essential. You have the right to career development, and the best way to ensure it happens is to advocate for yourself.

Steps to Advocate for Career Advancement

1. Initiate feedback conversations: Don’t wait for your manager to bring up career growth—schedule regular meetings to discuss your performance and aspirations. This shows initiative and helps you stay on your manager’s radar for future opportunities.

2. Highlight your achievements: Prepare a list of your key accomplishments and how they’ve contributed to the company. Share concrete examples of your impact and be ready to discuss how your skills align with higher-level roles.

3. Ask for support and resources: Be open about any accommodations or support you might need to take on new responsibilities. For example, if you need assistive technology for training or flexible hours for additional tasks, explain how these resources will allow you to thrive in a new role.

Example Conversation:
“I’ve contributed significantly to [project], and I believe my skills are well-suited for more leadership responsibilities. I’d love to discuss how I can grow into a larger role, with the support of [specific accommodation] to ensure my continued success.”

This direct approach shows that you’re ready for more and highlights the value you bring to the organization.

Next Steps

1. List your top accomplishments over the past 6-12 months.
2. Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss career progression.
3. Outline the resources or accommodations you need to take on more responsibilities.
4. Identify mentors or advocates who can support your advancement.

As you advocate for your own career growth, you’re also in a position to promote workplace inclusion, ensuring that others benefit from a more equitable and supportive environment.

How to Advocate for Workplace Inclusion Without Feeling Like You’re Complaining

Advocating for a more inclusive workplace may feel like a difficult conversation to start, especially if you’re worried about coming across as negative or complaining. However, advocating for inclusion isn’t about pointing out flaws—it’s about creating solutions that help everyone thrive.

Steps to Advocate for Workplace Inclusion

1. Frame it as a collective benefit: Emphasize how inclusion benefits everyone in the organization, not just those with disabilities. For example, you might say:

“By making meetings more accessible with captions, we can improve communication for everyone, including team members who may not feel comfortable speaking up.”

2. Lead with solutions: Instead of just identifying problems, offer specific ways to improve accessibility. For instance, you might suggest providing materials in alternative formats or creating quiet spaces for employees with sensory sensitivities.

3. Join or create ERGs (Employee Resource Groups): If your company has groups focused on diversity and inclusion, get involved. These groups can be powerful platforms for advocating for policies that benefit all employees, including those with disabilities.

Example Enhancement:
“I’ve noticed that improving accessibility in training materials could benefit the entire team. I’d love to explore ways we can make resources more inclusive for everyone.”

Next Steps

1. Identify areas in your workplace where inclusion could be improved.
2. Offer concrete solutions during discussions with HR or your manager.
3. Get involved in ERGs or other diversity-focused groups.

Advocating for inclusion not only supports your own needs but also fosters a workplace where everyone has an opportunity to succeed. Now, let’s look at how people like you have successfully overcome these challenges through self-advocacy.

Real-Life Success Story: Journey to Workplace Flexibility

Take Emma, for example. After months of feeling anxious about asking for flexible work hours to accommodate her physical disability, she finally mustered the courage to approach her manager. She feared being labeled “difficult” but practiced her request with a mentor and presented her needs in a way that emphasized how flexible hours would make her more productive.

As a result, Emma secured the accommodation and saw her performance—and her job satisfaction—improve significantly. Her story proves that advocating for your needs isn’t a burden; it’s a key to unlocking your full potential.

Have you ever felt like Emma, hesitant to ask for what you need? If so, remember that advocating for yourself can lead to positive changes for both you and your company.

Emma’s success story highlights how self-advocacy can create meaningful change. Now, let’s talk about how you can overcome the emotional barriers that might be holding you back from taking action.

How to Overcome the Emotional Barriers to Self-Advocacy

It’s completely natural to feel hesitant about self-advocating, especially if you’ve experienced being overlooked in the past. Fear of rejection or being seen as difficult is valid, but self-advocacy is ultimately about valuing yourself and your contributions. It’s about recognizing that your needs are important.

Overcoming Emotional Barriers:

1. Start small: If the thought of asking for something big feels overwhelming, start by advocating for something smaller, like requesting a minor change to your workspace or work schedule. Small wins build confidence.
2. Find allies: Seek out mentors, colleagues, or employee resource groups who can support your self-advocacy efforts and provide advice.
3. Remember your value: Reflect on the impact you’ve already made in your role. Advocating for your needs is not about making demands; it’s about ensuring that you can continue to contribute effectively.

Now that you’ve considered how to overcome these barriers, let’s reinforce the importance of taking immediate steps toward self-advocacy.

Advocate for Yourself—Start Today

Advocating for yourself is one of the most powerful ways to take control of your career and well-being. Don’t wait—take action today with these simple steps:

1. Identify one area where you need support—whether it’s an accommodation, career feedback, or fostering inclusion.
2. Write down what you need and how it will help you thrive.
3. Commit to action by scheduling a conversation with your manager or HR this week.

Remember, your voice has power. Use it to create the career and life you deserve.

As Maya Angelou said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”