How to identify your own accessibility needs

If you’re unsure what your support needs are, start by paying attention to patterns over time. Support needs often show up as things that drain you, create frustration, or make certain tasks harder than they need to be. Here are some steps to help identify them:

Step 1: Track discomfort and frustration

• When do you feel exhausted after a task that doesn’t seem to tire others?
• What situations make you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to focus?
• Are there environments that make it hard for you to engage or participate fully?
• Do certain communication styles (e.g., fast-paced conversations, indirect language) make things harder for you?

Step 2: Recognize patterns

• Do you consistently struggle with deadlines, time management, or organization?
• Do you feel more at ease in structured or flexible environments?
• Are there particular noises, lights, or textures that make it difficult to focus?
• Do you find certain interactions exhausting while others are energizing?

Step 3: Experiment with solutions

• Try different ways of working – do written instructions help you more than verbal ones?
• Test out noise management strategies like headphones or quiet spaces.
• Adjust your schedule to include breaks or focus periods - does this make a difference?
• Try different forms of communication (email vs. calls, video vs. text) to see what works best for you.

Step 4: Articulate your needs

Once you start seeing patterns, frame them as support needs rather than personal failures. Instead of saying, “I’m bad at remembering things,” you might say, “I need written reminders.” Instead of “I can’t handle loud spaces,” try “I need quiet or noise-canceling options to focus.”

By identifying what works best for you, you can start advocating for support structures that make life easier.

How to share your own accessibility needs

Advocating for yourself can be hard, especially if you’re used to pushing through discomfort to fit in. But stating your needs clearly helps set the tone for a more accessible world. Some ways to communicate your needs:

In professional or formal settings

• "I communicate best in writing. If a phone call is needed, please schedule in advance."
• "I do better with a clear agenda. Could you send me the key points beforehand?"
• "I work best in quiet spaces. Can we book a room without background noise?"

I  do this by adding my access needs to my email signature – this way, people I collaborate with know upfront how to create a working relationship that supports both of us.

Some other examples of email signatures are: 

• “I work flexibly – You might get emails from me outside standard hours, but there’s no pressure to reply until you’re working.”
• “If I haven’t replied in 3 days, a friendly nudge is always welcome.”
• “I’m Autistic, so I appreciate clear, concise communication – please avoid metaphors and make requests explicit.”
• “I communicate best through speech, so you may receive a Loom video instead of a written response.”

In social or community settings

• "Loud spaces can be overwhelming for me. Is there a quiet area I can step into if needed?"
• "I might need a break during long conversations. I promise it’s not about you!"
• "I prefer text over calls and appreciate clear, direct communication."

The goal isn’t to justify or apologize for your needs; it’s to make it easier for yourself and others to interact in ways that feel good for everyone.

How to ask about someone’s accessibility needs

Accessibility should never be an afterthought or a last-minute add-on; it should be a built-in part of how we collaborate, meet, and engage. Instead of putting the burden on people to advocate for themselves repeatedly, proactively ask about accessibility and support needs at the start of any interaction.

At the start of working together

• "I want to make sure this works well for both of us. Do you have any accessibility or support needs that would help make our collaboration smoother?"
• "Everyone works in their own way so if there are any tools, structures, or formats that support you best, I’d love to know."
• "Would it be helpful to check in about accessibility preferences now so we can create a setup that works well from the beginning?"

During meetings or discussions

• "Would a written agenda or flexible timing help?"
• "If we’re moving too fast or something isn’t working, let me know so we can adjust."
• "Would you prefer follow-ups in writing or a quick voice note?"

For social settings

• "Would you prefer to meet somewhere quieter or at a different time of day?"
• "Let me know if there’s anything that would make this more comfortable for you."

Offering options instead of asking

Rather than making someone spell out their needs from scratch, try offering choices upfront:

• "Would you prefer video on or off during calls?"
• "Do you want to communicate via email, text, or voice notes?"
• "Would structured check-ins be helpful, or do you prefer flexibility?"
• "Do you want an agenda ahead of time, or are spontaneous discussions okay?"

The key is to integrate these questions naturally so accessibility isn’t framed as an inconvenience but as a normal part of how we create inclusive spaces together.

Everyday accessibility | Small shifts, big impact

Accessibility isn’t just a responsibility for disabled and neurodivergent folks it’s something we all benefit from. Some small shifts that can make a big difference:

• Adding accessibility needs to your email signature.
• Checking in with friends about what makes them feel comfortable and supported.
• Normalizing fidget tools, alternative communication styles, and flexible seating.
• Advocating for accessibility in public spaces, workplaces, and community events.

When accessibility is woven into everyday interactions, it stops being an afterthought and starts being the norm. The goal isn’t to create one-size-fits-all solutions but to embrace flexibility, options, and better design so more people can fully participate. By making small, conscious changes, we create a world that doesn’t just accommodate but genuinely supports all kinds of brains and bodies.