Educators, counselors, and other professionals play a key role in fostering self-determination. This involves building the skills and confidence to set goals, make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for one’s life.
To support self-determination, professionals can:
By creating environments that promote self-advocacy and decision-making, professionals help youth develop the skills they need to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives.
Encourage youth with disabilities to join the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), a fun, weeklong summer program on a university campus. They will build leadership skills, set personal goals, and find helpful resources for their future. Through workshops, mentors, and activities, they will gain confidence, independence, and new friendships. This program helps them become strong leaders and self-advocates. Watch the video and visit the Youth Leadership Forum website to learn more!
This website page from PACER has free downloads on many transition topics.
These short videos show families how to support their child in their journey toward self-determination.
This free app makes setting goals and building good habits fun like a game!
Kids talk about speaking up to get the support they need to do their best.
Find support, advocacy, and info for individuals with intellectual disabilities to live fully.
These tools help students and families envision a good life and identify necessary supports.
Learn more about self-determination and self-advocacy in this short video.
Youth explain how they speak up at work, school, and with family.
YLF is a cool program where youth with disabilities can learn how to be leaders!
Explore Zarrow Institute’s free self-determination resources—empower students with skills for success, independence, and advocacy.