“I Can Succeed with the Help of My Community” Capacity-Building for Students with Disabilities Transitioning to Adult Life School In-service

Challenges Facing Students in Middle and High School 1.Academics –State exams –High grades to get into school of choice 2.Transition from school to adult life –College –Vocational Education –Employment (integrated, assisted, independent) –Independent living –Community participation

Additional Challenges for Students with Disabilities 1.Potential for motor skills development decreases as children age. –Most motor development occurs earlier in life 2.Students with disabilities may have lifelong impairments which would prevent them from completing some, most or all tasks independently.

Independence vs. Interdependence Traditional notion of independence is that “assistance is considered a deficit.” Interdependence recognizes that assistance with certain tasks is necessary for complete autonomy. (from: About a Lifecourse Approach, CanChild website) WE ALL NEED SUPPORT!

Interdependence and Capacity Interdependence emphasizes capacity as the ultimate goal instead of independence. Capacity is the actual ability to perform a task whether this requires assistance from another person or not. Capacity must be seen as a lifespan approach.

Interdependence – Sample Goals Within one year, Leon will use his rolling walker to walk 300 ft. from the auditorium to the classroom, verbally requesting appropriate assistance to hold open the door to exit auditorium. Success will be measured by Leon’s ability to arrive on time in homeroom after weekly auditorium assembly 3 times a week, in a 3 week period per teacher, or paraprofessional report. Within one year, Faygie will be able to make regular appointments with her wheelchair clinic for follow-up equipment care. Success will be measured by Faygie’s ability to convey the appointment date, location, and contact person’s name and number to therapist, parent or teacher.

What Does a Student Need to Be Interdependent? 1.Self-Determination 2.Problem Solving Skills 3.Social Support

1. Self-Determination ability to set goals and act on them ability to make choices/decisions requires self-awareness, self-monitoring know how to apply strengths know how to compensate for limitations

Developing Self-Determination How can you develop self-determination? Encourage: –participation in class/school activities that include planning, organization, research and presentation –taking on leadership roles –participation in IEP meetings Modeling, role-playing, feedback, direct instruction ngSelfDeterminationSkillsGP.aspx

Developing Self-Determination Studies have shown direct correlation between self-determination skills and a student with disability’s capacity to succeed in school and in transitioning to an adult life. This includes employment and independent living.

2. Ability to Problem-Solve NOT just mastery of skills ability to apply learned skills and strategies to: –unique situations –novel tasks

Developing Problem-Solving Skills provide opportunity to practice in different environments/situations –natural environment, not isolated treatment settings –change contexts encourage participation and leadership in various class/school projects and activities

3. Social Support Participation in societal roles, by definition, cannot be done in isolation Interaction with others is essential A disabled individual may require more support; therefore he/she (or the family/caregiver) must know how to advocate for him/herself

Developing Social Support join clubs, support groups, activity groups train student, parents and caregivers on: –concept of interdependence and capacity, as early in life as possible –advocating for student’s needs (self-advocacy) –allowing student to perform to his/her optimal level; then, if needed, assist the student to augment his/her effort. involve the community

Implications for OTs/PTs Collaborative Consultation An essential role of OTs and PTs working in middle and high schools is collaborative consultation with other school staff and parents/guardians. This may or may not require OT/PT services to be mandated on the IEP. Therapists may participate in transition planning as needed.

Implications for OTs/PTs Treatment Options: 1.Remediation of student’s body structure/ function, skills and behaviors. –e.g. strengthening, stretching, exercises –Includes activities done in therapy room –Requires that student demonstrates potential for change and readiness for acquiring new skills –Typically, more appropriate for younger children

Implications for OTs/PTs Treatment Options: 2. Compensation of task and environment –e.g. wheelchair, slant board, specialized seating –Includes activities and materials incorporated into classroom/school routine that are implemented in collaboration with teacher, paraprofessional or other school staff –Pros: Immediate independence (or decreased dependence on others) Improved self-esteem Less pull-out from peers & class activity Less direct one-on-one time

Implications for OTs/PTs Treatment Options: 3. Teaching student and parent/guardian how to seek assistance (self-advocacy skills) –Ability to identify person(s) that can assist –Ability to explain how the person can assist –Students with more severe disabilities would require more assistance from parent/guardian to advocate for their needs

Implications for OT/PT Which of the 3 treatment options do you think are the most efficient approaches for a middle/high school student? Remediation? Compensation? Teaching Advocacy Skills?

Implications for the School Community School staff needs to know the concepts of interdependence and capacity –Teaching student self-advocacy skills instead of providing students with assistance before they even ask for it Teaching “how to fish” vs. “giving the fish” –Allowing student to perform to his/her optimal level; then, if needed, assist the student to augment his/her effort.

Implications for the School Community Encourage student participation and leadership roles in class, school and after-school activities and in IEP meetings OT/PT services may be provided via different methods including: –integration of sessions into actual class/school activities –collaborative consultation with teachers and other school staff –participation in transition planning as needed

Final Thoughts! When do we start teaching students the concepts of interdependence and capacity? What is the right age?