BUILDING BLOCKS: Parent centers can play an important role in encouraging families to build self-determination skills in their loved ones with disabilities.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES TO FOCUS ON STUDENT SELF-DETERMINATION
BY LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A.
Family engagement and student empowerment need to be linked.
Families are used to supporting their children with disabilities, and it can be difficult for them to shift roles when adulthood approaches. Preparing for the transition to adult life can start early by giving choices to the child and giving the child responsibility. For example, you can let a toddler or preschooler pick which shirt to wear, given two choices. During transition, parents need to move from the family engagement model (parents are the main decision-makers) to the person-centered model of transition to adult life (youth are in the driver's seat).
HOW PARENT CENTERS CAN HELP FAMILIES
Self-determination is generally understood to be the ability for an individual to be the primary decision-maker in regards to the path of his/her life. I'm Determined defines the essential elements as:
- Choice making: the skill of making choices
- Decision-making: careful consideration of solutions
- Problem-solving: finding answers to complex issues
- Goal setting: creating goals, planning, and attaining goals
- Self-regulation: monitoring one's own behavior
- Self-advocacy: speaking up for oneself or a cause
- Internal locus of control: belief in affecting outcomes
- Self-efficacy: belief in being able to accomplish tasks
- Self-awareness: understanding of one's own strengths, needs, and skills
Parent Centers, Family to Family Health Information Centers, and other family-run organizations, can help families understand the "dignity of risk" – having their child make their own choices. Families can start early, start small, build on choices, and add or take away supports as needed. Parent Centers, F2Fs, etc. can help families learn the benefits of self-determination, both for their child and the family as a whole. Charting the Lifecourse also has tools for individuals and families that help plan for achieving a "good life" (see Resources).