Shogren what is self determination.pdf

Self-Determination and Transition Planning

by
Karrie A. Shogren, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

1 What Is Self-Determination and Why Does It Matter in Transition?

What Is Self-Determination?

Transition is a crucial phase in life. Integrating self-determination into the transition process can positively affect outcomes for individuals with disabilities. For example, Kay's son Michael benefited from self-determination approaches during his transition, which allowed him to express his preferences and experiences. Similarly, Jake utilized self-determination skills when he faced significant decisions regarding his high school education and medical needs.

Promoting self-determination is vital for effective transition services as it allows individuals to exert control over their lives, thus enhancing their dignity and quality of life.

Definition of Self-Determination in Special Education

Self-determination is a complex construct encompassing skills, knowledge, and beliefs that enable individuals to function autonomously. This definition is essential to understanding how students can work toward individualized goals. Various researchers emphasize key aspects: volitional action, causal agency, and quality of life. Wehmeyer’s functional theory highlights that self-determination is not merely a set of behaviors but involves intentional actions that improve a person’s quality of life. The goal is to enable individuals with disabilities to take control of their lives and make informed life choices.

Promotion and Strategies for Self-Determination

This book offers strategies to cultivate self-determination skills among students with disabilities. The focus areas include:

  1. Clarifying the definition of self-determination and its significance (Chapter 1)
  2. Identifying individualized instruction strategies (Chapter 2)
  3. Teaching essential self-determination skills (Chapters 3–6)
  4. Creating opportunities for self-determination (Chapter 7)
  5. Building support systems (Chapter 8)
  6. Promoting self-determination within larger systems (Chapter 9)

Given the diversity of student profiles, it's essential to customize support based on individual needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds.

Cultural Influence on Self-Determination

Culture plays a substantial role in defining self-determination and quality of life. Students from diverse backgrounds may interpret self-determination through various lenses, influenced by factors including ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these cultural nuances can help educators tailor their approaches to support self-determination effectively.

Evidence-Based Practice, Clinical Judgment, and Values

Evidence-based practices rely on solid research to ensure positive outcomes. Recognizing the importance of both quantitative and qualitative research can build a solid foundation for fostering self-determination in students. Context-specific adjustments, patient characteristics, and family preferences should also inform practice implementation. By keeping these elements in mind, educators and practitioners can support self-determination in a more meaningful way.

Key Takeaways