Inclusion & Self Determination Nearly one year after graduation, findings showed that students whose scores in high school indicated a higher level of self- determination were more likely to have experienced a greater number of positive adult outcomes, including a higher likelihood of being employed and earning more per hour than those who were not self-determined (Wehmeyer & Schwartz) The study showed a consistent trend characterized by self- determined youth doing better than their peers one year out of school.

Dream Big! Advocating for an Inclusive Life for Your Child START Project Inclusion Mini-Conference / March 7, 2015

Inclusion is a philosophy that urges schools, neighborhoods, and communities to welcome everyone, regardless of differences. Central to the philosophy of inclusion are the beliefs that everyone belongs, diversity is valued, and we can all learn from each other. (Promoting a Lifetime of Inclusion by Adelle Renzaglia, Meagan Karvonen, Erik Drasgow, and Craig C. Stoxen Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Fall 2003, Volume 18, Number 3) Self-determination is a concept reflecting the belief that all individuals have the right to direct their own lives. (Improving Secondary Education and Transition Services through Research April 2003 Vol. 2 Issue 1)

Building Blocks of Self-Determination Develop self awareness Encourage expressing preferences Promote choice making Teach self-regulation skills Facilitate engagement Promote independence

Becoming A Self-Advocate Encouraging problem-solving skills Supporting decision-making skills Fostering self-management Engaging with friends and family Learning about your disability Understanding one’s learning style Participating in the IEP process

Building Social Capital Networking and encouraging connections Connecting with peers with and without disabilities Volunteering in school and the community to build skills and develop connections Building advocacy and leadership skills

Promoting High Expectations! Self Knowledge Understanding the implications of one’s disability Developing interests Goal setting Daring to dream Dignity of risks Honoring the choices that self-determined people make

Dream Big! Advocating for an Inclusive Life for Your Child Self-determination skills provide essential tools to help individuals function in inclusive environments, and positive behavior support helps keep the focus on individuals' capacity to learn and participate in inclusive settings while eliminating unacceptable behavior. If high expectations and attainable goals are set and the supports necessary for successful inclusive experiences are provided, individuals with disabilities can become integral and valued members of the community.