Self-Determination & Advocacy

Self-Determination and Student-Directed Transition Planning

"Self-Determination truly is the engine that drives transition education," said Dr. Martin from the Zarrow Center. The ability for a student to advocate for themselves in high school directly translates to their ability to communicate effectively with future employers about their disability as well as outside agencies including a college disability services center.

Self-determination includes skills related to self-awareness, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, decision-making, self-management, and self-evaluation.

The AIR assessments measure two broad components. Capacity refers to the student's knowledge, abilities, and perceptions that enable them to be self-determined. Opportunity refers to the student's chances to use their knowledge and abilities. The AIR Self-Determination Scale is available to use, free of charge.

This topic explores how self-determination, which results from the development of self-esteem, self-awareness, and other positive learning skills, helps children and teens learn to exercise personal control over their lives.

This 8-minute video features personal testimonies from students with disabilities on their choices to disclose or not disclose their disabilities in education and workplace settings.

Lessons are designed to take the student through a process of gathering information from key members of the transition planning team. The process initiates a dialogue between the student, family members, and the teacher on issues regarding employment, post-secondary education and living arrangements for the student.

Use this PowerPoint template to help your students design a presentation that will help them lead their IEP meeting!

The Procedural Guidelines For The Arc’s Self-Determination Scale provides administration and scoring information for this 72-item assessment of self-determination for adolescents with disabilities. This manual provides a comprehensive discussion of self-determination and outlines use of the measure in research and applied settings.