Self-Determination
Project
The Self-Determination project is administered
by The University of Tennessee (UT) Center on Disability and
Employment (CDE).
What is Self-Determination?
Self-determination is a process of learning
about oneself, his/her interests, talents/skills, and preferences
as well as his/her dislikes. There are five primary principles of self-determination:
- Freedom – to choose and plan your life
- Authority – to control your environment
- Support – for building a life in your community
- Responsibility – to choose, control, and direct
your actions
- Confirmation – to realize your dream
Project Description
The Self-Determination project works directly
with individuals and their support networks to assist with
the development of approaches that promote empowerment,
advocacy, and self-direction.
Project Goal
The overall goal of this project is to provide
opportunities for students in high schools, middle schools,
and elementary schools to learn about themselves, take
a strong role in the IEP process, and learn about post-school
resources that will lead to employment.
Current Study
The Self-Determination project is presently
conducting a study that will determine the effectiveness
of the self-determination approach toward participants
applying the principles of self-determination in their transition
to community employment.
Practicum & Internship
Opportunities
The self-determination project offers practicum
and internship opportunities to graduate students interested
in developing skills in the areas of self-determination,
person-centered planning, community employment, and transition
school to work.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcome of the self-determination
project is that through the training and technical assistance
with students, teachers, and families self-determination
practices will evolve.
- Students will take an active role in their IEP process
and plan for post-school employment and/or education opportunities
- Teachers will incorporate self-determination practices
and curriculum in to the existing school curriculum and
experiences
- Families will demonstrate the ability to support the growth
and post-school career planning for their family members.
Representatives from post-school resources
(Division of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Mental
Retardation, Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Health
Services, One-Stop Centers, higher education [technical colleges,
and universities], and employers) receive technical support
to increase their involvement and linkages with the students
and their circle of supports to be a positive stakeholder
in the seamless transition process.
Research
Research activities under the Self-Determination Project
are intended to compliment self-determination services by
collecting and reporting the outcomes of the self-determination
project. Research and development activities include developing an infrastructure for dissemination of self-determination
practices through practice briefs and customer satisfaction
products.
Contact
For additional information on Self-Determination
project, contact Elizabeth Fussell, Director, (865)
974-9176 or visit the website at www.cde.tennessee.edu.
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