Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

Common Beliefs which Disempower People Believing that: people cannot speak for themselves people with disabilities do not have a part in decision-making people with disabilities are like each other and are not unique human beings inclusion of people with disabilities will not be beneficial or crucial to all people

It is unrealistic to take users of social or support services seriously The system will not permit this empowerment Empowerment is only relevant for highly capable people Professionals know best Parents know best Choices for service users do not exist Users of social or support services are not at a disadvantage Respecting people’s dignity is a luxury for which there is not time

Purpose and goal of education To “produce responsible, self-sufficient citizens who possess the self-esteem, initiative, skills and wisdom to continue individual growth and pursue knowledge” (Sarason, 1990, p. 163). Purpose and goal of education

Accomplishments Today… Self-Determination Self-Advocacy Transition Disclosure STUDENT

Successful Transition… Self-Determination = Goal Oriented Aware of strengths & weaknesses Able to evaluate work & learning environments Make informed decisions & solve problems Self-Advocacy = Reframing Effectively communicate, convey, & negotiate Assert interests, desires, needs, & rights Making informed decisions Taking responsibility for decisions Successful Transition…

Self-Determination is? What do you think Self-Determination is? Self-Determination means that a person makes his or her own decisions, plans his or her own future, determines how money is spent for his or her supports, and takes responsibility for the decisions he or she makes.

The Philosophy The Self-Determination movement started in Europe in the 1960’s by people with developmental disabilities and parents who wanted more control over how they received services and supports and how they lived their lives. It has grown into an international movement. The Self-Determination philosophy is a belief that a person should have choice and control over all areas of life. It is the idea that services are based around the individual, not the other way around. The person with a disability is at the heart of decisions made about his or her life.

Self-determination…Four characteristics behavioral autonomy self-regulated behavior acting in a psychologically empowered manner self-realization 1. A behavior is autonomous if the person acts according othis or her own preferences, interests, and/or abilities and in an independent manner, free from undue external influence or interference. 2. Self-management strategies, goal setting and attainment behaviors, problems-solving behaviors, observational learning strategies 3. The multiple dimensions of perceived control, including the domains of personality (locus of control), cognition (personal efficacy), and motivation (outcome expectations) 4. Use a comprehensive, and reasonably accurate, knowledge of themselves and their strengths and limitations to act in such a manner as to capitalize on this knowledge Self-determination…Four characteristics

There are 4 main principles: Freedom Authority and Control Responsibility Support

Freedom means… To live a meaningful life in the community. To live how we want and decide what is best for our own lives. To be able to make decisions (and mistakes) for ourselves. Freedom means…

Control over the support we need and the dollars needed for that support. Control of our own lives. Having the right to direct our lives and live the way we want… just like anyone else. There is a great saying… “Nothing about us, without us!” Authority and Control

Responsibility… Take responsibility for our own actions. That also means to accept the consequences… these may be good or bad. Take responsibility for the use of public dollars. (Don’t waste money.) Take responsibility for our own lives and be a participating citizen. 

Support To have the support to organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and meaningful for you. To have the support to live your life the way you want and do the things you want. Support

Self-Advocacy

A Self-Advocate is someone who speaks up for themselves. What do you think is a Self-Advocate? A Self-Advocate is someone who speaks up for themselves.

Occurs when people with disabilities identify issues by themselves and initiate and carry out actions and activities. As a form of advocacy, self-advocacy occurs on both individual and community levels. It involves decisions that people with disabilities make to create, implement, develop, or modify opportunities as individuals and as a community. Self-advocacy also involves efforts made by people to fight discrimination and oppression. Self-Advocacy

Self-Advocacy Teaches you about your rights and responsibilities How to be independent (living and working) Let’s you know it’s okay to ask for help Gives you confidence to stand up for yourself Teaches you to advocate for others Self-Advocacy Self-Knowledge

Self-Advocacy Skills Control over the timing of events Making personal choices Choosing environments and methods of training Opportunity to evaluate services and programs Involvement in the hiring of staff Attendance in all planning meetings Opportunity for self-charting and self-monitoring Receive assertiveness and self-advocacy training Internal Locus of Control: The degree to which a person perceives contingency relationships between his or her actions and outcomes An internal locus of control emerges as children make choices about things that they do every day, such as selecting clothing, and as these choices are honored and supported Self Awareness and Self-Knowledge One must possess a basic understanding of one’s strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and limitations as well as knowledge about how to utilize these unique attributions to beneficially influence one’s quality of life Self-Instruction Involves teaching students to provide their own verbal prompts for solving an academic or social problem Self-Advocacy Skills

Self-Advocacy is needed because…

Postsecondary Failures 94% Dropout Rate Vocational, Technical & Postsecondary Among Learners who have LD

Reasons for Failures Weak Critical Thinking Skills Poor Self-Advocacy Skills Low Self-Esteem Poor Self-Determination Skills Negative Messages Lack of Self-Knowledge Feelings of Hopelessness Avoidance of Success Lack of Understanding of Disability Inability to Seek Resources Underdeveloped Problem Solving Skills Reasons for Failures

Factors Leading to Success Work Tolerance & Endurance Work Skills Above Entry & Low Level Job-related Academic Skills Disability Awareness Self-esteem & Self-confidence Medical, Psychological & Psychiatric Coordination & Co-investigation

Factors Leading to Success Mobility & Transportation Verbal Communication Non-Verbal Communication Learning Styles & Job Culture Knowledge & Exposure of Employment Potentials Job Interests & Passions Secondary Completion

Critical Transition Elements Employment Success Factors Desires – Goals Self-Knowledge Self-Determination Persistence Learned Creativity & Accommodations Supports Reframing & Control