1. Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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…

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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…

12. 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

13. 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. 

14. 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

15. Self-Advocacy

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Self-Advocacy is needed because…

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

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