A study investigated the responses of 22 high school students with learning disabilities to an intervention intended to promote self-realization. Activities were embedded within the general English curriculum. Through the intervention, students acquired information that helped them make sense of their school experiences, redefine themselves, and…

This study evaluated the effects of teaching four high school students with moderate mental retardation a modified version of "Self- Directed IEP," a multi-media package designed to teach the skills needed to manage their own individualized education program (IEP) meetings. Results indicated a functional relationship between the information taught…

Group work has been identified as an important intervention to prepare children and adolescents for a variety of transitions. Students with disabilities can benefit from participation in psychoeducational groups as they prepare for their transition to postsecondary school. This article describes a psychoeducational group model designed to increase…

Thirty-two qualitative investigations of co-teaching in inclusive classrooms were included in a metasynthesis employing qualitative research integration techniques. It was concluded that co-teachers generally supported co-teaching, although a number of important needs were identified, including planning time, student skill level, and training;…

A study involving 94 typical college freshmen, 32 college athletes, and 30 students with learning disabilities (LD) found several students with LD reported possible intrinsic processing weaknesses. Students with LD also self-reported difficulties that would affect their ability to engage in self-advocacy through communication, self-awareness, and…

This article describes the work of the Supported Learning Project (SLP), a program that provided personal support and development in self-advocacy to 31 British mothers with learning disabilities. The learning gains made by the mothers, the obstacles they encountered, and the project's success are discussed. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This paper describes the drama component of Project Access, a transitional 4-week summer program for students (ages 15 to 18) with disabilities at Howard County Community College (Maryland). Emphasis is on development of self-advocacy skills through a variety of exercises and performance activities. Participating students have demonstrated growth…

This article explores ways to include self-determination and self-advocacy goals and objectives in individualized education programs (IEPs). It identifies self-determination goals and offers guidelines on selection and writing of self-determination goals. Insets and tables include a review of the literature, definitions of self-determination…

This study investigated the effects of teaching middle grade students with disabilities to participate in their IEP meetings using "The Self-Advocacy Strategy." Four students with high-incident disabilities were taught to be active participants in their IEP meetings. Student contributions, along with scores on "The Arc's Self-Determination Scale,"…

Self-directed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) allow students to assume leadership and become actively involved in the decisions made at their IEP meetings. This article describes how through direct instruction, social skills discussion, active practice, and role-playing students are prepared to facilitate their meeting. This active…

A comprehensive review was conducted of intervention studies designed to teach component skills of self-determination to individuals with severe disabilities. Twenty-one articles were analyzed regarding content and methodology. Results (a) support previous research on the efficacy of teaching choice making; (b) increase awareness of teaching…

Students with learning disabilities and other types of disabilities who attend post-secondary education settings may often require reasonable accommodations to succeed. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is designed to protect students with disabilities from discrimination, many students are unaware of their rights and how to request…

This article discusses attributes of healthy human service systems and the importance of strong sexual self-advocacy by people with disabilities. It outlines how negative attitudes can have traumatizing effects on people with disabilities and argues that by developing positive attitudes a new era of healthy sexual development can begin. (Contains…

Focus groups (n=57) and surveys (n=665) of students with disabilities and faculty suggested that students must learn self- advocacy and educators must apply principles of Universal Design for Learning. Educators must assist students in developing self-determination skills to ensure access to courses and transition to postsecondary education or…

This article discusses the benefits of student participation in a gifted public relations campaign, including creating public support for gifted programming and developing leadership skills. Steps for developing a formal unit of instruction on public relations are described, along with ideas for public relations activities. (Contains references.)…