Since the attainment of political independence in 1980 coupled with the paradigm shift from exclusion to inclusion in education in Zimbabwe, the number of students with disabilities in higher education is significantly increasing. Entrenched in qualitative research approach, this study draws from a sample of 17 students with disabilities at a…

In this article, the author proposes that students who led their Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings were better informed about their own disabilities, rights, and accommodations, and that the act of leading the meeting resulted in improved self-advocacy and self-confidence. Also, in understanding their list of accommodations and…

By participating within the educational setting in making decisions about their lives that reach beyond choice-making, students with disabilities who acquire the skills of self-determination may express interests and goals through their own authentic voice. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe the experiences and…

The 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reauthorization introduced transition mandates that included a "student involvement in transition planning" requirement, creating an emphasis on promoting such involvement so as to enhance the self-determination of students with disabilities and positive transition-related…

There are multiple ways that assessment is positioned within education: as a method for accountability, a strategy to attract funding and an approach to support learning. Different assessment practices portray students in different ways and can serve to include or exclude them in their learning and assessment. Students are often categorised and…

Education experts and political leaders frequently agree that in spite of many changes, American schools continue to remain in need of reforms that will expand the circle of opportunity for all children. Few such leaders, however, recognize young people themselves as a critical leadership constituency in effecting the needed reforms. Special…

Using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, this article examines the relationships among three of Wehmeyer's components of self-determination (autonomy, empowerment, and self-realization) and subsequent reported access to postsecondary education in transitioning youths receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits. Results of…

This article discusses the representation and participation of disabled students in the development of higher education policy and provision within the UK, at both a national and institutional level. Findings are drawn from a doctoral study, which identified the importance of student participation in securing equality and inclusion. Power…

A study investigated the efficacy of an intervention model to promote student involvement in transition planning. The intervention included coaching youth in student-directed planning skills to achieve transition goals, peer-based mentorship and parent support, and in-service education for staff. Participants demonstrated significant increases in…

A popular term in contemporary special education circles is "empowerment," but what does it actually mean to be an empowered individual? Although many definitions exist in the literature and include such terms such as self-determination and self-advocacy, at the core of empowerment is the understanding that an individual is truly empowered the…

Interviews with 35 students who participated in student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings confirmed that students were able to describe the purpose and benefits of an IEP, their disabilities, and their rights. Observation of student participation in IEP meetings for five students verified that all participated throughout their…

This article discusses the advantages of student-led conferences for students with and without disabilities and their families, including increased student involvement, student goal-setting, student reflection, and student responsibility. It describes the steps and positive results from one school district that has adopted the student-led…

Discusses strategies for encouraging student participation in the development of an Individualized Education Program for a child with a disability. Outlines the significant steps in the process including developing a vision, prioritizing learning needs, collaborative problem solving, setting goals, and planning the intervention. (CR)

This article explains how administrators make it possible for their staff to initiate and implement advocacy efforts on behalf of students with special needs. A step-by-step series of actions and decision points are described to support the implementation of an innovative student-led Individualized Education Program process. (Contains 7…

This curriculum kit contains a teacher manual, five student workbooks, a program guide, informational brochures, and a videotape recording, designed to teach high school students with and without disabilities how to begin planning for their lives after they leave school. NEXT S.T.E.P. (Student Transition and Educational Planning) is intended to…