The purpose of this quality of life training curriculum is to enhance staff's understanding of the concepts of choice, integration, and advocacy; the importance of these qualities; and how staff can promote these qualities within the daily lives of persons with developmental disabilities. The curriculum includes topics for group discussion and…

This article on systems change focuses on the efforts of a mentally retarded man with cerebral palsy and his advocates to obtain the resources necessary for him to be able to leave a nursing home and live independently. First, the article identifies two kinds of change: change within the system's rules and changing the rules or the system itself.…

This paper offers advice, from members of People First, concerning the process of having individuals with disabilities move out of institutions and nursing homes into community living arrangements. The first section lists categories of questions that express the potential concerns and worries of people who are going to move, such as "Why do…

This document is a progress report on a British project designed to help disabled adults gain self-advocacy skills, becoming active consumers of the rights and benefits to which they are entitled. The aims of the project, which began in September 1988, are as follows: (1) promote staff development on advocacy among professionals working with the…

This pamphlet for people with disabilities provides basic information on the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that concern protection from discrimination in employment. Using simple language, the pamphlet provides the following information: what the ADA is, who the ADA is for, who the ADA is not for, how the ADA can help the…

For the individual seeking a counselor education faculty position, the journey is a complicated process. In addition to the assistance given to doctoral students, it is important for these students to be self-advocates in their own professional development. This paper provides suggestions, information, and self-advocacy recommendations for…

In interviews with two disabled young adults, the difficulties of college life, both on and off campus, are explored. Topics covered include such areas as the problems of transportation, fears, leaving home, friendships, housing, support systems, and self-advocacy. (PHR)

A survey of 510 practitioners engaged in support services to college students with learning disabilities investigated attitudes toward and practice of self-advocacy training and methods to reduce student dependence on programs and increase autonomy. While most expressed strong support for self-advocacy practices, it was found that far fewer use…

This article discusses four necessary elements of the self-advocacy movement: gaining awareness of one's social and political situation; gaining awareness of individual strengths and potential; taking action through participation in community organizations; and having advisors collaborate with people with disabilities rather than treating them as…

Norman Kunc, consultant on educational and disability issues, discusses his early segregated education and perceived devaluation due to his cerebral palsy; the intrusion of therapies into his daily schedule; and the sometimes assaultive nature of physical therapy. Kunc views his disability as a characteristic of his personal diversity and…

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 lists common pitfalls in parents' gifted advocacy attempts: believing exceptionality is synonymous with entitlement; responding to stated boredom without determining the meaning; waiting for a crisis before advocating; pushing for a response before agreeing on the issue; and advocating from their own issues. Strategies for developing…

This paper discusses strategies for school personnel when preparing students with learning disabilities (LD) for a successful transition from high school to college. Some of the 10 strategies discussed are: teaching students about compensatory strategies; teaching students to self-advocate; teaching students about the law; helping students select…

Explores special issues in counseling highly gifted students, including feelings of isolation, fear and guilt for being different, irritation with the pace of school, and other concerns. Offers guidelines for introducing such children to the subculture of intellectual achievement and how they can be effective self-advocates within the educational…

Discusses the use of the Internet for increased self-advocacy by persons with physical impairments. Current legislation relating to access and technology and technology's role in increasing independence are also addressed. Profiles are provided of people using the Internet for advocacy and projects encouraging adaptive technology and…