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Division of Special Education & Student Services
Assistant Superintendent Douglas Cox, Toll free phone: (800) 422-2803
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Virginia Intercommunity Transition Council

Planning for Success!

The key to a successful transition is careful planning. Students must be actively involved in the planning process.
 

The Student's Voice: Self-Advocacy and Decision Making
 
What is self-advocacy?
 
Self-advocacy is:
 
  • Taking responsibility for your own life
  • Knowing your responsibilities
  • Knowing your rights
  • Making choices
  • Asking for help when needed

    With self-advocacy skills, students can make choices and decisions about their lives:

  • At home
  • In the classroom
  • On the job
  • In receiving medical attention
  • In using transportation and other public services
  • In leisure activities
    •  
    Students with disabilities can be self-advocates!
     
    All students can be self-advocates. All young people can make known their hopes and dreams and the kinds of support they need from:
    • Family
    • Friends
    • People who provide services
     
    Students can express their choices using verbal and nonverbal communication.
    • Some may express themselves using sign language or communication devices
    • Others may need additional support through
      • Advocates
      • Family, friends and community
      • Person-centered planning activities
      • Professional services
    • Students can:
      • Explain their disabilities to someone
      • Be active in the IEP meeting
      • Ask for more accommodations
      • Communicate strengths and needs to an employer
      • Make appointments
      • Meet with a doctor alone
      • Find volunteer opportunities
      • Make plans with friends
      • Learn about political issues and vote
     
    Ways to support self-advocacy
     
    Caring family, friends, and professionals are an important part of young people's hopes for today, tomorrow and the future. Self-advocacy doesn't mean living without support and guidance. Everyone depends on their family, friends and community.
     
    Supporters can:
    • Listen
    • Respect differing opinions
    • Encourage personal choices
    • Model appropriate social skills
    • Provide information that helps in making a decision
    • Support decisions to try something new
    • Provide opportunities for financial awareness
     
    Steps students can take to become self-advocates
    • Become aware of your strengths and weaknesses and what helps you learn or perform better
    • Be an active member of your education planning team
      • Communicate effectively
      • Listen carefully
      • Make decisions and be responsible
      • Learn how to ask for help when it is needed
      • Help others
      • Learn about available resources
      • Understand it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them
      • Learn to solve problems effectively
      • Finish your education
      • Learn strategies to manage the challenges of your disability including
      • Set personal goals
      • Develop a positive attitude, flexibility and a sense of humor
     
    Organizations that can help students learn self-advocacy skills
    • Your high school
    • Advocacy and self- help groups
    • Clubs
    • Independent Living Centers
    • Support services at colleges and universities
    • Parent Resource Centers
    • Adult education programs
    • Public library programs
    • Assistive technology centers
    • Organizations for people with disabilities
    • Religious programs
    • Department of Rehabilitation
    • Local community Services Board
    • Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
    • Department for the Rights of Virginians with disabilities
    • Virginia Department of Education
    • Department of Visually Handicapped
    • Virginia Department of the Deal and Hard of Hearing
     
    How will we know when students are gaining self-advocacy skills?

    Students will demonstrate skills (or know how to access support) in:

    • Communicating with others
    • Identifying needed accommodations and supports
    • Expressing hopes and wants
    • Relating with people in authority
    • Relating to peers
    • Solving problems
    • Controlling anger
    • Finding out about jobs and careers
    • Finding a job
    • Getting an education or training
    • Taking care of oneself
    • Getting around in the community
     
    For more information, contact your local Special Education Director, local Rehabilitative Services Office, or the Virginia Department of Education
     
     

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