What is Self-Determination?
Self-determination is the process of making informed decisions about your own life. It is grounded in the belief that all individuals should have agency and autonomy when determining the course of their life. In the context of students with disabilities and secondary transition, it is the process of ensuring youth are self-aware and have skills so that they are able to guide the secondary transition process to meet their own strengths, preferences, interests and needs.
Why is Self-Determination Important?
IDEA requires LEAs to invite students to any IEP meeting where the transition plan is discussed (IDEA 200434 CFR §300.321(b). Self-determination skills and IEP engagement are two indicators of post-secondary success. Adopt student-driven IEP processes by raising student self-awareness, teaching students about IEP rights and responsibilities and preparing students for meaningful engagement in all parts of the IEP cycle.
As an educator, where should I start?
- - Virginia Department of Education
- Getting Started Now: Talking About Disabilities (2014) - OSSE and SchoolTalk
- - Department on Disability Services (DDS)
- - National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
- The Best Me I Can Be Video Series (2013) and - OSSE and SchoolTalk
Where can I learn more?
Engage in self-directed learning opportunities.
- - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
- - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
- * - National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
- * - NTACT:C
- - NTACT:C
*Free registration provided
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Student and Family Resources Self-determination means being able to make decisions for one’s life. Students need to be able to articulate who they are, their strengths, and what they may need in order to identify and then achieve their goals. Building self-determination skills is a critical element that families can help students develop, both within the IEP process and at home.
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