How to Speak Up (and Be Heard) When Something Isn’t Working

Sometimes support just isn’t working the way it should. Maybe your support worker isn’t showing up on time. Maybe your OT isn’t listening to what you’re actually saying. Maybe you’re not sure what’s wrong, but something just feels off.

Speaking up can feel hard. Especially if you’ve had past experiences where you weren’t taken seriously, or where raising concerns just made things worse.

This is your reminder that you are allowed to speak up. And when you do, you deserve to be heard and respected.

Here’s how to do it in a way that feels calm, safe, and clear, even if you’re feeling nervous.

Get clear on what’s not sitting right

You don’t need to explain yourself perfectly, but it helps to spend a minute figuring out what feels off.

You might ask yourself:
• Am I feeling unsafe, ignored, or dismissed
• Has someone not followed through on what they said
• Am I not getting the type of support I asked for
• Is something making me feel uncomfortable or disrespected

Even if you can’t name it exactly, you’re still allowed to say, this doesn’t feel right.

You’re allowed to ask for change

You don’t need permission to speak up. And you don’t need to wait until something becomes a huge issue.

If something doesn’t feel good (even a small thing) you’re allowed to bring it up. That could sound like:

• “I’ve noticed this isn’t really working for me”
• “Can we talk about what’s happening and see if we can make some changes”
• “This support doesn’t feel quite right and I’d like to look at other options”

You don’t have to be formal or say the “right” words. You’re allowed to be honest.

Choose who feels safest to talk to

If you’re working with a support worker or therapist, you can talk to them directly if that feels okay. But you can also speak to:

• Your support coordinator
• A trusted friend or family member who can help you communicate
• An advocate, if you want someone to speak on your behalf

You don’t have to handle it alone. And you’re allowed to ask for support to say what you need to say.

What if nothing changes

If you’ve spoken up and nothing has changed, or worse, things have gotten uncomfortable, that’s not on you.

You can ask for a different worker, request a review with the provider, or even look for a new service. It might feel like a hassle, but you deserve support that works for you.

And if you’re not sure where to start, your support coordinator can help guide you through the steps.

Anyone worth keeping on your team won't be offended; they will listen and make changes to better support you.

Speaking up isn’t rude. It’s your right.

This is your plan. Your life. You’re allowed to be clear about what’s working and what’s not. You don’t need to be grateful for support that doesn’t actually support you.

Good support feels steady, safe, and respectful. It doesn’t leave you doubting yourself or walking on eggshells.

If something isn’t right — speak up. You deserve to be heard.