Advocacy Tools and Resources

Ready to advocate but not sure where to start? These tools will help you communicate effectively with legislators, request accommodations, know your rights, and make your voice heard. Use them, adapt them, share them.

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Know Your Rights: Disability Rights Laws

Understanding your legal protections is the foundation of effective self-advocacy. Here's what you need to know about the key laws protecting people with disabilities in the United States.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life.

Who it covers: People with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities, people with a record of such impairment, or people regarded as having such impairment.

What it requires:

• Employment (Title I): Employers with 15+ employees must provide reasonable accommodations and cannot discriminate in hiring, firing, advancement, or compensation
• Public Services (Title II): State and local government programs must be accessible
• Public Accommodations (Title III): Businesses open to the public must be accessible and provide accommodations
• Telecommunications (Title IV): Phone companies must provide relay services

Key concept—Reasonable Accommodation: An accommodation is "reasonable" if it enables you to perform essential job functions (or access services) without creating "undue hardship" for the employer or provider. Examples include modified schedules, quiet workspaces, written instructions, extended deadlines, and assistive technology.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination by any program or activity receiving federal funding—including public schools and most colleges/universities.

What it requires:

• Schools must provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to students with disabilities
• Students must have equal access to educational programs
• Schools must provide accommodations to level the playing field

504 Plans: A 504 Plan outlines accommodations a student needs to access education equally. Unlike IEPs, 504 Plans don't require specialized instruction—just accommodations.

Examples of 504 accommodations:

• Extended time on tests and assignments
• Preferential seating
• Breaks during class
• Reduced homework load
• Permission to use fidgets or sensory tools
• Modified attendance policies
• Audio recording of lectures

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA ensures that children with disabilities receive free appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

Who it covers: Children ages 3-21 (or until graduation) with specific disabilities defined in law who need specialized instruction.

Key components:

• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Education at no cost to families, designed to meet individual needs
• Individualized Education Program (IEP): Written plan detailing goals, services, and supports
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students should be educated with non-disabled peers to maximum extent appropriate
• Procedural Safeguards: Parents have rights to participate in decisions and dispute resolution

Comparing the Laws

Feature	ADA	Section 504	IDEA
Purpose	Civil rights protection	Non-discrimination in federally funded programs	Educational services for children with disabilities
Definition	Broad—any substantial limitation	Same as ADA	Specific categories of disability
Setting	Employment, public services, businesses	Federally funded programs	Public schools (K-12)
Provides	Reasonable accommodations	Accommodations (504 Plan)	Specialized instruction (IEP)
Age	Any age	Any age	3-21 years

Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing, including requiring landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.

Examples of housing accommodations:

• Allowing service animals or emotional support animals in no-pet housing
• Assigned accessible parking spaces
• Transfer to first-floor unit
• Modified communication methods (written notices vs. verbal)
• Permission to make modifications to the unit

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How to Contact Your Elected Representatives

Finding Your Representatives

Federal level:

• U.S. Senators: Every state has 2 senators. Find yours at senate.gov
• U.S. Representative: Find yours at house.gov
• Capitol Switchboard: Call (202) 224-3121 to be connected to any member's office

State level:

• Search "[Your State] legislature find my legislator" to locate your state senator and representative
• Your state's official government website will have a legislator lookup tool

Local level:

• City council members, mayors, school board members
• Find through your city/county government website

Methods of Contact (Most to Least Effective)

1. Phone calls: Most impactful. Staff document every call and report frequently-raised issues to the legislator.
2. In-person meetings: Highly effective, especially at district offices. You don't need to see the legislator—staff are influential.
3. Personal letters/emails: More impactful than form letters. Your own words matter.
4. Town halls and public hearings: Visible, public advocacy that creates pressure.
5. Form letters/petitions: Less impactful individually but show numbers.

Tips for Effective Contact

Phone calls:

• Expect to speak with a staff member or intern—this is normal and effective
• Be prepared to give your name and zip code (they track constituent contact)
• Keep it brief—under 2 minutes
• State your position clearly: "I'm calling to urge [Representative] to support/oppose [bill or issue]"
• Share a brief personal reason why this matters to you
• Thank them for their time

Script for calling:

"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I'm a constituent from [City/Zip Code]. I'm calling to urge [Representative's name] to [support/oppose] [bill number or issue]. As a [neurodivergent person/parent of a neurodivergent child/etc.], this issue directly affects me because [brief reason]. I hope [Representative] will [specific action]. Thank you for your time."

Meetings:

• Request an appointment in writing, then follow up by phone
• Specify what issue you want to discuss
• Prepare talking points—you'll have 10-20 minutes max
• Bring a one-page leave-behind summarizing your ask
• Follow up with a thank-you note and any promised information

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Letter Templates

Letter to Legislator Template

Customize this template for letters to elected officials about disability, mental health, or neurodiversity policy.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Date]

The Honorable [Representative/Senator Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],

I am writing as your constituent from [City/District] to [urge your support for / express concern about / request action on] [specific bill, issue, or policy].

[Personal paragraph: Share your story. How does this issue affect you, your family, or your community? Be specific but brief. Personal stories are the most powerful part of advocacy letters.]

[Information paragraph: Include 1-2 key facts or data points that support your position. Keep it focused—you don't need to include everything.]

[Ask paragraph: Be clear about what action you want them to take. Vote yes/no on a bill? Co-sponsor legislation? Attend a briefing? Make your request specific.]

Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I would appreciate a response regarding your position on [issue/bill]. Please feel free to contact me at [phone] or [email] if you would like to discuss further.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

Workplace Accommodation Request Template

Use this template to formally request reasonable accommodations under the ADA.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]

[Supervisor's Name or HR Representative]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Subject: Request for Reasonable Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Dear [Name],

I am writing to formally request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I have a medical condition that affects my ability to [briefly describe functional limitation as it relates to job duties].

I am requesting the following accommodation(s):
• [Specific accommodation #1]
• [Specific accommodation #2]
• [Add or remove as needed]

I believe these accommodations will enable me to perform the essential functions of my position by [explain how accommodations will help].

I have attached [documentation from healthcare provider / OR: I can provide documentation from my healthcare provider upon request].

I would like to meet with you to discuss my request and engage in the interactive process to find effective accommodations. I am willing to explore alternative accommodations if these are not feasible.

Please respond to this request within [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 10 business days]. If you have questions, please contact me at [phone] or [email].

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

School/504 Plan Accommodation Request Template

Use this template to request evaluation or accommodations for a student.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

[Principal's Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Re: Request for [504 Evaluation / 504 Plan Meeting / IEP Evaluation] for [Student Name], [Grade]

Dear [Principal's Name],

I am writing to formally request [an evaluation to determine eligibility for a 504 Plan / a meeting to discuss a 504 Plan / an evaluation for special education services under IDEA] for my child, [Student's Full Name], currently in [Grade] at [School Name].

[Student Name] has been diagnosed with [condition, if applicable] and experiences the following challenges that affect their education:
• [Challenge #1]
• [Challenge #2]
• [Add as needed]

I am requesting the following accommodations be considered:
• [Accommodation #1]
• [Accommodation #2]
• [Add as needed]

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act [and/or IDEA], the school is required to evaluate students suspected of having a disability and provide appropriate accommodations. I am requesting that this evaluation/meeting be scheduled within [your state's required timeframe, often 30-60 days].

Please contact me at [phone] or [email] to schedule a meeting to discuss this request. I look forward to working together to support [Student Name]'s educational success.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Parent/Guardian of [Student Name]

Housing Accommodation Request Template

Use this template to request reasonable accommodations from a landlord under the Fair Housing Act.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

[Landlord/Property Manager Name]
[Property Management Company, if applicable]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Re: Request for Reasonable Accommodation

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I am your tenant at [your address/unit number]. I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Fair Housing Act.

I am a person with a disability as defined under the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and [your state] fair housing laws. My disability affects my ability to [briefly describe functional limitation relevant to housing].

I am requesting the following reasonable accommodation(s):
• [Accommodation #1]
• [Accommodation #2]

This accommodation is necessary because [explain how accommodation relates to disability and enables equal use/enjoyment of housing].

[If applicable: I have attached verification from my healthcare provider explaining my disability-related need for this accommodation.]

Please respond to this request in writing within ten (10) business days. If the accommodation I have requested is not feasible, please identify in writing what alternative accommodations could be made.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

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Testimony Tips: Speaking at Public Hearings

Public testimony is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy. When you speak at a hearing, your words become part of the official record and directly influence decision-makers.

Before the Hearing

• Research the hearing: Find out date, time, location, time limits, and rules for testifying
• Request accommodations: Contact the committee clerk in advance if you need accommodations
• Know your audience: Who are the committee members? What are their positions?
• Prepare written testimony: Even if you speak, submit written testimony for the record
• Practice: Rehearse until you can stay within time limits (usually 2-3 minutes)

Writing Your Testimony

Structure:

1. Introduction (15 seconds): Your name, where you're from, and your position on the issue
2. Personal story (1-2 minutes): Why this matters to you personally. This is the most powerful part.
3. Supporting facts (30 seconds): 1-2 key data points (optional—personal story can stand alone)
4. Ask (15 seconds): Clear, specific action you want them to take
5. Thank you (5 seconds)

Tips for effective testimony:

• Keep it simple—avoid jargon and acronyms
• Personal stories are more powerful than statistics
• Speak to your own experience—don't try to be an expert on everything
• Be specific about what you're asking for
• If others have made your points, say "I agree with the previous testimony on [topic]" and add your unique perspective

At the Hearing

• Arrive early and sign in
• Bring copies of written testimony to distribute
• Address the committee, not the audience
• Speak slowly and clearly
• Stay within your time limit
• If asked questions, answer only what you know—it's okay to say "I don't know but I can find out"
• Thank the committee for the opportunity to speak

Testimony Template

Introduction:
"Good [morning/afternoon]. My name is [Your Name], and I'm a resident of [City/District]. I'm here today to [support/oppose] [bill number or issue]."

Personal Story:
"I'm here because [this issue affects me personally]. [Share your story—be specific, be human, be real. What have you experienced? What have you witnessed? Why do you care?]"

Supporting Point (optional):
"This isn't just my experience. [Brief statistic or fact that supports your position.]"

The Ask:
"I urge you to [vote yes/no on this bill] [take specific action]. [One sentence on why this action matters.]"

Close:
"Thank you for your time and for considering my testimony."

Neurodivergent-Specific Testimony Tips

• Request accommodations: You can ask for extra time, written questions in advance, or permission to read from notes
• It's okay to read: You don't have to memorize or speak extemporaneously
• Bring support: A friend or advocate can accompany you
• Stimming is okay: Use whatever helps you regulate
• Written testimony counts: If speaking feels too overwhelming, submit written testimony instead—it still goes on the record
• Video/remote options: Many hearings now offer remote testimony—ask about options

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Additional Resources

Where to File Complaints

• Employment discrimination: EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) - eeoc.gov
• Education discrimination: Office for Civil Rights (OCR) - ed.gov/ocr
• Housing discrimination: HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) - hud.gov
• ADA violations: Department of Justice ADA Information Line - 1-800-514-0301

Organizations That Can Help

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Free consultation on workplace accommodations - askjan.org - 1-800-526-7234
• Disability Rights Advocates: Find your state's Protection & Advocacy organization - ndrn.org
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: autisticadvocacy.org
• CHADD: chadd.org
• The Arc: thearc.org

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These tools are meant to be used and shared freely. Adapt them to your situation, make them your own, and use them to make your voice heard. Advocacy takes practice—the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Questions about advocacy? Reach out →

Your voice matters. Use it. 🚀

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not legal advice. If you need legal assistance, please consult with a qualified attorney or contact your state's Protection & Advocacy organization.

Mars | Space Cadet Collective