Students Urged to Self-Advocate for Accommodations

Keynote speaker shares his own journey of learning to communicate his needs

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:03am

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At the annual 'Employability Day' event, students from several local school districts heard from keynote speaker Jeff Pelly, a specialized program support coordinator, about the importance of self-advocacy in securing the accommodations they need to succeed. Pelly shared his personal experiences growing up with dyslexia and dysgraphia, and emphasized the three key steps of self-advocacy: knowing yourself, knowing what helps, and knowing how to get what you need.

Why it matters

The message of self-advocacy is crucial for students as they transition from the supports available in high school to the post-secondary world, where they will need to proactively communicate their needs. This skill helps ensure students with disabilities can access the accommodations guaranteed to them by federal law and set themselves up for success.

The details

Pelly explained that the accommodations he received were pivotal in helping him overcome the challenges posed by his learning disabilities. He urged the students to practice self-advocacy, noting that it's a skill that takes time to develop but becomes easier with experience. Pelly outlined the three key steps: knowing your strengths and weaknesses, understanding what supports or assistive technologies can help, and learning how to effectively request the accommodations you need.

  • The annual 'Employability Day' event was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Jeff Pelly

Specialized program support coordinator at the Williamsport Area School District, who served as the keynote speaker at the event.

Colby Alpaugh

Owner of Two Guys Mowing in Muncy, who spoke to students about the characteristics he looks for when hiring new employees.

Tony Graybill

Owner of the local coffee shop Rooted and Grounded, who discussed the importance of customer service and caring for people in his business.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest thing that I learned was how to advocate for myself and that is really what we're here to talk about today — self-advocacy.”

— Jeff Pelly, Specialized program support coordinator

“If I'm reading those definitions, it says the ability to speak up for yourself and the things that are important to you. Self advocacy means that you can explain what you need and why you need it.”

— Jeff Pelly, Specialized program support coordinator

“The skills are good communication with other co-workers, hard-working, showing up on time and then problem solving. That's pretty much the gist of it.”

— Colby Alpaugh, Owner, Two Guys Mowing

“So just hard working and showing up on time and good communication.”

— Colby Alpaugh, Owner, Two Guys Mowing

“treating people like they are humans' and 'caring about the people they're caring for.”

— Tony Graybill, Owner, Rooted and Grounded

What’s next

Students who attended the event will have the opportunity to further develop their self-advocacy skills through follow-up workshops and mentorship programs offered by their school districts.

The takeaway

This event underscores the vital importance of self-advocacy for students with disabilities, empowering them to communicate their needs and access the accommodations that will set them up for success in their education and careers. By learning to effectively self-advocate, these students can overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.