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Self-Determination / Self-Advocacy

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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.

Find Self Determination/Self Advocacy Resources

Acronym Key: IEP = Individualized Transition Program

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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, or you have the option to use these filters to narrow down items based on age and category. 

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9
2510
Practice communication of one's interests, preferences, and needs.
Who can help: Family, School/IEP Team, adult service providers
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
Self awareness for self advocacy Self awareness for self advocacy :
https://worktogethernc.com/resource/self-awareness-for-self-advocacy-student-version/
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Student dream sheet Student dream sheet :
https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/Student-Dream-Sheet.pdf
9
2520
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.
Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, adult service providers
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
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Supported decision making Supported decision making :
https://supporteddecisionmaking.org/
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9
2530
Identify needed adult services, and if appropriate, the individual can start learning how to direct and manage these services.
Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team, adult service providers
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
Self directed services Self directed services :
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/long-term-services-supports/self-directed-services/index.html
Self directed services Self directed services :
https://www.arcnc.org/programs-and-services/self-direction
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9
2540
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.
Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
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10 Ways to Involve Young Adults in their IEP meetings 10 Ways to Involve Young Adults in their IEP meetings :
https://www.thepathway2success.com/10-ways-to-involve-young-adults-in-their-iep-meetings/
9
2610
Explore Work Together NC’s leadership & advocacy program library.
Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
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WTNC advocacy programs WTNC advocacy programs :
https://worktogethernc.com/services/?_services_type=advocacy
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9
2620
Learn about the disability rights movement and key figures.
Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
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Crip Camp documentary Crip Camp documentary :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFS8SpwioZ4
9
2630
Learn about supported decision-making and alternatives to guardianship.
Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team, adult service providers
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
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Rethinking guardianship Rethinking guardianship :
https://rethinkingguardianshipnc.org/
Supported decision making action plan Supported decision making action plan :
https://worktogethernc.com/action-plans/making-choices-is-hard/supported-decision-making-action-plan/
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9
2640
Learn about the differences in the laws regarding disability rights for young people with disabilities from high school to adulthood.
Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
Making the transition from high school to college Making the transition from high school to college :
https://www.ed.gov/teaching-and-administration/supporting-students/transition-of-students-with-disabilities-to-postsecondary-education-a-guide-for-high-school-educators
Navigating the High School to College Transition Navigating the High School to College Transition :
https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/online-high-school/navigating-the-high-school-to-college-transition
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9
2650
Learn and practice how to explain one's disability and/or the accommodations or supports they need in work, postsecondary education, and community settings.
Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team, adult service providers
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
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Effective accommodation practices Effective accommodation practices :
https://worktogethernc.com/resource/effective-accommodation-practices-disability-disclosure-and-employment/
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9
2660
Develop a person centered plan, including the individual's vision and goals for adulthood.
Who can help: Individual, inclusive postsecondary education program (if applicable), adult service providers
Approximate age: Upon exiting high school and ongoing updates
Resources:
Person centered planning Person centered planning :
https://project10.info/DPage.php?ID=103
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