This study identifies the factors that have contributed most to supporting growth of self-advocacy among people with developmental disabilities, by examining the history of self-advocacy and reporting on interviews with six self-advocates and six advisors of the self-advocacy movement. The study concludes that the growth of self-advocacy has been…

The model workshop described in this paper is intended to present the possibilities of organized self-advocacy for persons with mental retardation or other disabilities. Self-advocacy stresses dignity, respect, and making one's own choices. Information on planning a workshop covers length and size, date and time, speakers, location,…

This guide, which gives an overview of federally funded vocational rehabilitation programs available in New Mexico, was developed for clients and potential clients of vocational rehabilitation services. Written in a simple and clear manner, the manual outlines the goals of rehabilitation: independence, self-management, self-advocacy, and…

A survey of 216 adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities who belong to self-advocacy groups found that individuals unemployed and employed in sheltered settings perceived themselves as having less control than individuals employed competitively. Results are examined in light of quality of life findings, focusing on the need to include…

This article introduces a model of teaching, The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction, incorporating principles of self-determination, which enables teachers to teach students to become causal agents in their own lives. Results from a field test indicate students (N=40) receiving instruction from teachers using the model attained…

A telephone survey examined self-reported training needs of 90 advisors to self-advocacy groups for people with mental retardation. Major findings addressed desired training topics, preferred training formats, hours and frequency of training, how training needs change, and differences in training based on advisor demographic data. Analysis…

This article describes a course developed at Lesley College (Massachusetts) to help students with learning disabilities accept their disability and develop self-understanding and self-advocacy skills. It describes the course model and major tenets, highlights some course components, and summarizes results of a study of the course's impact. (DB)

An individual with a developmental disability discusses self-advocacy, involvement with the American Association on Mental Retardation, dislike of the term "mental retardation," the need for such organizations to work more closely with people who have disabilities, and the need for such organizations and society at large to be more…

This study assessed the services provided to students with disabilities in 30 postsecondary education institutions across New York State. Results indicated that while respondents urged high schools to encourage college-bound students to advocate for themselves, the most frequent types of service provided by colleges did not promote autonomy.…

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;…

An overview of academic matriculation with an emphasis on specific skills, concepts, and applications that can be used to develop an appreciation of success in higher education is presented. By defining the student as the center of planning, techniques are provided to translate ideas and abstract thought to real-world applications. Recommendations…

This training package, including both a facilitator manual and a participant manual, presents information in four modules to teach self-advocacy skills to Guam individuals with disabilities and their families. Module 1 provides information on the definition of advocacy and self-advocacy, cultural influences that affect advocacy in Guam, and the…