Module Three: Parents Developing Self-Determination in their Youth

We recognize the important role parents play in educating self-determined students.  We acknowledge parents for being strong role models and for partnering with educators and other professionals to support programs that develop leadership and self-confidence in our students.

The I’m Determined state-directed project, through state-wide and regional training meetings, the Youth Leadership Forum and Youth Summits and a variety of local parent nights and events has developed a network of committed parents across Virginia.  Parents who have taken part in these activities are empowered to work closely with their schools, communities and post-secondary institutions to foster self-determination in their children.

The following is an excerpt from a document published by the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities March, 2007:

In a system built around self-determination, the individual with a disability plays the lead role but they also must and do rely on others, including their parents.  There seems to be a misconception that in a self-determined environment parents are excluded.  That is simply not true.  Parents have supported and advocated for their children who have disabilities for years and that support and expertise continue to be invaluable.

In fact, if you ask a person with a disability, “What or who most enables and supports you to be self-determined?” they answer:

“My parents.”

But if you then ask them, “What or who most prevents you from being self-determined?” they answer:

“My parents.”

Parents may fulfill many roles in a self-determined environment:  advocate, care provider, home provider, member of support circle, participant in person-centered planning, and most importantly – parent.

The I’m Determined State-directed Project supports parents through its website and the Youth and Parent Summits.  At the Parent Summit, parents attend separate sessions, led by staff from the Partnership for People with Disabilities, Virginia Commonwealth University. Please visit the “Parents” section of this website for several video clips and programs, PowerPoint presentations, and documents all for parents seeking information about self-determination and assistance in supporting their son or daughter to develop and practice self-determination skills.

Parents often rely on educators and educational literature to guide them in learning skills that they can use in assisting their children to be confident and self-determined.  For more information, read through the Self-Determination Introduction for Parents.

Parents should talk honestly to their children, listen, and answers their questions.  Involve them in medical appointments and discussions.  Talk about their learning strengths and needs; understand their accommodations; educate themselves and their youth about their rights.

The I’m Determined project encourages and supports student involvement in the IEP process and meeting.  www.imdetermined.org has many quality resources for educators, parents, and youth to use to gain knowledge and skills.  IEPs are about students and yet most of our students do not have a meaningful part in the development and discussion of their own plans.

There are many ways for all students to participate in their IEPs.  Consider:

Having an active, leadership role in IEPs help students:

The CORE COMPONENTS of self-determination are:

(703) 923-0010
(800) 693-3514
Email: partners@peatc.org
Website: www.peatc.org

Website: https://centerforfamilyinvolvementblog.org/CFI
Helpline: (877) 567-1122 or cfihelpline@vcu.edu