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Ask for the supports and accommodations that you need to participate and engage in the meetings

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read over outlines/descriptions of the meeting and where you can contribute

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Ask for previous materials and/or recordings, meeting minutes, PPTs etc. to help bring you up to speed

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Knowledge of Strategies in asking for accommodations

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Inquire about how accommodations are communicated within the post secondary education environment and/or in the work place and what to do if they are not provided after the initial ask.

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Your story and experience is VITAL, so please dont be afraid to speak out, expecially if the person is using the wrong terminology or assuming things

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Be ready to ask questions, both before and during meetings

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You are also allowed to set boundaries and share what you are comfortable sharing publicly

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Advocating for plain language

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Accounting for your own experience but reminding those you are speaking with that you are only one person, and this is your experience

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Connect with one of the other meeting participants/members

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You, as the person with the disability, are the EXPERT on your disability

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Knowing that you are the expert on your disability and experience and using that as a foundation for how to correct folks who may try to de-center your experience.

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Alt Tag: Buzz Light Year talking to Woody, text reads "Ableism, Ableism Everyhwere"

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It is ok to challenge meeting/committee "norms" through story telling based in your experience as a way to challenge problematic norms.

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Prepare to Follow Up - there is no such thing as one meeting

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Prepare to follow up with any questions you might have about the meeting

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Don't be afraid to share your thoughts and ideas for what should be included in future meeting agendas

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Understanding where your experience is most important, meaning in what context can your experience be best heard

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Use your own story, where you are comfortable, to segue conversations to topics and themes you want the group to address/discuss

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Understanding the lingo and the ability to use it

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Complete anything you said you would do before the next meeting

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Give the meeting organizer any suggestions that you have for the next meeting

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No matter what your disability is, you are the expert on it. Don't be afraid to disclose it!