Making Choices is hard! Self-Determination/Self-Advocacy Action Plan

Action Plans > Making choices is hard: Self-Determination/Self-Advocacy Action Plan

Self Determination / Self Advocacy Action Plan

Self-determination is the ability to make decisions about one’s quality of life without undue interference or influence from others. Self advocacy is the ability to communicate one’s needs and preferences.

To create a custom action plan, select the items below that are relevant to you or someone you support. Upon submission, you will see a summary of your items, which is your personalized action plan. This form will not be saved, however you will be able to print the summary, and if you provided an optional email address, the results will be emailed to you immediately.

Acronym Key: IEP = Individualized Transition Program

Growing as a self-advocate

Practice communication of one’s interests, preferences, and needs.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Family, school/IEP Team, adult service providers

Practice decision making skills. Choices should be offered & supported as often as possible– start with small choices matter like what one wears, eats, does for fun, who one hangs out with.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, school/IEP Team, adult service providers

Identify needed adult services, and if appropriate, the individual can start learning how to direct and manage these services.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team, adult service providers

Resources: Medicaid – Self-Directed Services The Arc NC- Self-Directed Services

Support the individual’s participation in IEP Meetings. Prepare the individual with what to expect and collaboratively brainstorm ideas in advance of the meeting.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team

Resources: 10 Ways to Involve Young Adults in their IEP Meetings

Developing decision making skills

Explore Work Together NC’s leadership & advocacy program library

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team

Resources: Advocacy Services

Learn about the disability rights movement and key figures

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team

Resources: Crip camp: A Disability Revolution

Learn about supported decision-making and other resources for supporting choice and self-determination

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team, adult service providers

Resources: Rethinking Guardianship NC

Learn about the differences in the laws regarding disability rights for young people with disabilities from high school to adulthood.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team

Resources: Making the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities

Learn and practice how to explain one’s disability and/or the accommodations or supports they need in work, postsecondary education, and community settings

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team, adult service providers

Develop a person centered plan, including the individual’s vision and goals for adulthood

Approximate Age: Upon exiting high school and ongoing updates | Who can help: Individual, inclusive postsecondary education program (if applicable), adult service providers

Resources: Project 10 – Transition Education Network

Additional Items

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Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and should not be taken as legal advice. Services and programs mentioned may vary by county. Please consult with professionals with expertise in this topic area for guidance specific to you, your family or student/client’s situation. Have a suggested correction or addition to this checklist? Email worktogethernc@med.unc.edu.