What is Self-Determination?

Self-determination is the process of making informed decisions about your own life. It is grounded in the belief that all individuals should have agency and autonomy when determining the course of their life. In the context of students with disabilities and secondary transition, it is the process of ensuring youth are self-aware and have skills so that they are able to guide the secondary transition process to meet their own strengths, preferences, interests and needs.

Why is Self-Determination Important?

IDEA requires LEAs to invite students to any IEP meeting where the transition plan is discussed (IDEA 200434 CFR §300.321(b). Self-determination skills and IEP engagement are two indicators of post-secondary success. Adopt student-driven IEP processes by raising student self-awareness, teaching students about IEP rights and responsibilities and preparing students for meaningful engagement in all parts of the IEP cycle.

As an educator, where should I start?

• Educator Path to Success - Virginia Department of Education
• Getting Started Now: Talking About Disabilities (2014) - OSSE and SchoolTalk
• Person-Centered Thinking Philosophy - Department on Disability Services (DDS)
• Self-Determination: Supporting Successful Transition (2003) - National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
• The Best Me I Can Be Video Series (2013) and Discussion Guide (2014) - OSSE and SchoolTalk

Where can I learn more?

Engage in self-directed learning opportunities.

• Secondary Transition: Helping Students with Disabilities Plan for Post-High School Settings - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
• Secondary Transition: Student-Centered Transition Planning - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
• Self-Determination Training Presenter Guide & Video* - National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
• Re-Imagining Student and Youth Engagement: Awareness to Action (2023)* - NTACT:C
• Unpacking Assumptions: Equitable Approaches to Re-Engaging Students and Youth in Education and VR Services (2021) - NTACT:C

*Free registration provided

Student and Family Resources Self-determination means being able to make decisions for one’s life. Students need to be able to articulate who they are, their strengths, and what they may need in order to identify and then achieve their goals. Building self-determination skills is a critical element that families can help students develop, both within the IEP process and at home. I’m Determined Youth Resources and Parent Path to Success: Virginia Department of Education Let’s Talk About It: A Family Perspective (2014) - OSSE & SchoolTalk Self-Determination: Supporting Successful Transition (2003) - National Center on Secondary Education and Transition Special Education Hub - - DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education Youth Transition Guide (n.d.) (available in multiple languages) - Open Doors for Multicultural Families

Return to Secondary Transition Resource Hub Homepage.