Tips for Building Self Determination

Making Choices

􀂊 If you have a disability, learn about it.

􀂊 Find your strengths, interests, and think creatively about learning styles and methods.

􀂊 Have high expectations for yourself.

􀂊 Explore new activities; find positive, fun things to do with your friends. Learn from your

mistakes.

􀂊 Have a say in things that are about you.

􀂊 Be open minded and listen to what people you trust have to say.

Self Advocacy

􀂊 Speak up.

􀂊 Take on a leadership role in something you are good at.

􀂊 Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

􀂊 Learn to talk about your disability. Help others to understand you and your needs.

􀂊 Work on creating open, nonjudgmental relationships.

Exploring the Possibilities

􀂊 Try to learn something new every day.

􀂊 Volunteer in something that interests you; find new hobbies.

􀂊 Find adult mentors who understand and relate to you.

􀂊 Talk about your future.

Strong Self-Esteem

􀂊 Write your thoughts down; describe yourself and your life.

􀂊 Take steps to feel part of your community; get involved by volunteering.

􀂊 Use your talents.

􀂊 Involve yourself in healthy, caring relationships.

􀂊 Surround yourself with people who are positive; find someone you look up to be your mentor.

Goals & Plans

􀂊 Understand what a goal is and why they are important.

􀂊 Think about what you want to do with your life, discuss this and other interests you have with

people who are important to you.

􀂊 Make a list of your goals and the steps you need to take in order to reach them.

􀂊 Be flexible and realistic about your goals.

Understand Reasonable Risks

􀂊 Think about all of the benefits and consequences before you take action.

􀂊 Know your support network; those people who will be there for you unconditionally.

􀂊 Seek advice from others but keep in mind that sometimes the truth is not easy to hear.

􀂊 Mistakes are normal and an important part of learning.

Problem Solve

􀂊 Learn to take ownership of challenges.

􀂊 Accept the idea that problems are part of healthy development.

􀂊 Create a list of positives and negatives to help you make good decisions.

􀂊 Get advice from people you trust.

Adapted from the NCSET Research to Practice Brief