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Self-Determination / Self-Advocacy

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.

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Acronym Key: IEP = Individualized Transition Program

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Add Self-Determination / Self-Advocacy items to My Action Plan

Build your Action Plan by selecting relevant items below to add goals for yourself or someone you support. Click “Add to Action Plan” to save items. Your selections from all categories will appear in “My Action Plan.” To remove an item, click “Remove from Action Plan.”

Build your Action Plan by selecting relevant items below to add goals for yourself or someone you support. Click “Add to Action Plan” to save items. To remove an item, click “Remove from Action Plan.” To see your Action Plan, click on the “View My Action Plan” button to the right or near the bottom of the page.

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Browse all recommended action items below or use these filters to narrow down results by category or age.

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10 results found

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

Growing as a self-advocate
Practice making decisions. Choices should be offered and supported as often as possible. Start with everyday choices, like what to wear, what to eat, what to do for fun, and who to spend time with.

Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing

Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, adult service providers

Growing as a self-advocate
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

Growing as a self-advocate
Support the student to participate in their own IEP Meetings. Prepare the individual with what to expect, seek their input on goals, and come up with ideas to contribute in advance of the meeting.

Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing

Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team

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

Developing decision making skills
Learn about the disability rights movement and key figures.

Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing

Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team

Developing decision making skills
Learn about supported decision-making and alternatives to guardianship.

Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing

Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team, adult service providers

Developing decision making skills
Learn how disability rights and laws change when a young person moves from high school into adulthood.

Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing

Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team

Developing decision making skills
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

Developing decision making skills
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

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Disclaimer: These action plans are 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. The “approximate age” listed with each item is a general recommendation for when to get started on an action item; however, everyone has a different timeline and for many of the items, it’s never too late to take action! Have a suggested correction or addition to this checklist? Email worktogethernc@med.unc.edu.

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