This blog is based on a segment from the recent webinar presentation “Your Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead.” The segment, titled “Self-Advocacy & The Art of the Persistent Complaint,” was presented by YO! Disabled & Proud staffer Jem Moore explored how self-advocacy, collective advocacy, and systemic change intersect and how AT can support each level.

Self-Advocacy: Tech That Speaks for You

Self-advocacy means asking for your needs to be met. It is the foundation for all forms of advocacy. Whether in school, at work, at home, or in the community, expressing your needs and preferences is essential. AT plays a vital role in helping individuals advocate for themselves in everyday life. This can include requesting accommodations, setting routines that support their independence, or simply making sure their voice is heard.

Here are a few real-world examples of how AT enables self-advocacy:

1. Using speech-to-text to request accommodations: Speech-to-text software and apps wether it is software like Dragon Naturally Speaking or built-in features on devices these tools can help individuals communicate their needs clearly when submitting accommodation requests. They’re also helpful for people who speak a different language than their provider or family, since the app can help translate or clarify what’s being said.
2. Creating visual schedules or reminders with smart devices: Smart home tools like Amazon Alexa support self-advocacy by helping people take charge of their daily routines. Setting reminders or building custom schedules is a way to speak up for your needs and stay organized. For step-by-step guidance on how to set up routines check out our Where It’s AT blog on Smart Home Device Setup: Using Multiple Routines and our YouTube video on Basic Multiple Routine Example.
3. Contacting a disability services office using a communication device: AAC devices empower individuals with limited verbal communication to independently reach out to disability services offices and advocate for support.

AT empowers people to show up and speak up in ways that reflect their unique communication needs, helping ensure that they are heard and understood while advocating.

Collective Advocacy: Power in Numbers, Powered by Tech

Collective advocacy starts when individuals realize their experiences aren’t isolated but rather they’re shared by many. Speaking up can feel intimidating alone, but with a community behind you, your voice becomes part of a larger movement. AT helps bridge the gap between individuals and collective action by making advocacy spaces more accessible, inclusive, and collaborative.

Here are a few examples of how AT enables individuals to connect and empower each other to act together:

1. Accessible Online Platforms: Virtual platforms like Zoom with live captions, accessible online communities, and inclusive social media tools allow advocates to gather and organize. To make these spaces truly inclusive, be sure to make your Word documents and PowerPoint presentations accessible. Check out our past webinars for step-by-step guidance in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
   • Part 1: Navigating Accessibility Features in Microsoft Word
   • Part Two: Navigating Accessibility Features in Microsoft Word
   • Navigating Accessibility Features in Microsoft PowerPoint
2. Inclusive Event Participation: Tools like live captioning services such as CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) and accessible transportation apps, like Uber WAV, help individuals attend protests, town halls, and connections. These assistive tools ensure that individuals can participate fully, whether it’s by understanding what’s being said in real time or having a reliable ride that accommodates mobility devices.

When everyone has the tools to join in, collective advocacy becomes more powerful, more inclusive, and more effective.

Systemic Advocacy: Changing Systems with Smart Tools

Systemic advocacy is becoming increasingly important in our modern landscape. It’s the kind of advocacy that works on behalf of whole communities, aiming to change the systems that govern and shape our society. Sometimes the things holding our communities back from thriving are laws or government budgets. That’s when we need to come together, organize, and push for real systemic change. AT plays a key role in this work by helping people gather information, communicate their needs clearly, and actively participate in government and policy efforts. With AT, advocates get the tools and evidence they need to challenge barriers and fight for changes that benefit everyone.

Here are a few examples of how AT supports systemic advocacy:

• Coalition organizing and mobilization: AT tools like accessible communication platforms, virtual meeting software with live captioning, and social media help advocates connect and coordinate efforts across diverse groups. These technologies make it easier to build powerful coalitions that can push for policy changes. It’s important to include alt text in all social media posts and email newsletters so that screen reader users can access visual content. If you’re unsure how to do this, check out this video on how to write effective alt text.

The Persistent Complaint: Keep Asking, Keep Pushing

Self-advocacy often lead to lasting change. The world was not built with us in mind, so we must fight to have it rebuilt to be accessible for all. Effective advocacy today requires a human and empathetic touch, especially in a digital age full of bots and auto-responses. More often than not, you’re in a space where you deserve to be included. If your needs aren’t being met, say something respectfully. Advocacy takes time. Stay persistent and focused.

Here are a few examples of how AT supports the act of asking and advocating using the persistent complaint:

1. Documenting inaccessible experiences: Use speech-to-text apps, video recordings, or photo documentation to capture barriers you encounter in real time. These tools help you keep a record to share with decision makers or staff when filing a complaint.
2. Crafting and sending your message: Use grammar support tools, like Grammarly, to help clearly express your complaint in writing. Reminder applications can help you stay consistent with follow-ups.
3. Tracking progress over time: Apps like task managers or digital notepads can help you track when you reached out, what responses you received, and what steps still need to be taken. Persistence is easier when you stay organized.

And if advocating for yourself feels tough, try reframing it and imagining yourself as a wealthy widow fulfilling your late partner’s will. Sometimes it’s easier to fight for someone else. Either way, your voice matters.

As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Advocacy isn’t always easy, but with the right tools and a bit of persistence, we can push for a more accessible world.