SelfAdvocacy Planning For Success Utilizing A SelfAssessment Inventory

Self-Advocacy: Planning For Success Utilizing A Self-Assessment Inventory Diane Berzins, M. Ed. , Faculty Pam Morel, M. A. , C. Psych. Assoc. Cambrian College May, 2009

Let’s see if these Clickers work? � Which is your favourite movie?

Favorite Movie? 1. 2. 3. 4. Casino Royale Titanic Star Wars Sixth Sense

Outline 1. 2. 3. Developing Self-Advocacy The importance of Self. Determination Self-Assessment Inventory

Self Advocacy is… 1. 2. 3. 4. Taking control of your life Speaking up for your needs Making your own choices Part of selfdetermination

Effective Self-Advocates � � � � Know themselves Know their rights Value themselves Know what they need Know how to get it Experience outcomes and learn Adjust and try again

Self Advocacy is essential for students with LD 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Successful Adults With Learning Disabilities The key element to their success was the degree to which they had gained control of their own lives (Reiff, Gerber, and Ginsberg, 1997) Had control over Internal decisions (self-determined) � Response to external reality (self-advocates) �

Students with LD have more difficulty with Self-Determination 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Learned Helplessness � � � Belief that past failure predicts future failure Stop trying or give very little effort without “handholding” Students with LD are high risk due to: History of repeated failure � Being provided with too much “help” Ø sends the message they are not capable �

What % of students do you see with Learned Helplessness? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 0 -20% 20 -40% 40 -60% 60 -80% 80 -100%

What is Self-Determination? � � � Self knowledge Ability to make decisions Ability to solve problems Ability to set goals and attain them Self-evaluation skills Internal locus of control Brinckerhoff, L. C. et. al (2002) Postsecondary Education and Transition for Students with Learning Disabilities

How do you enhance selfdetermination in your students? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Role model selfdetermination Provide opportunity for choices Provide necessary tools and services Develop selfawareness Develop problem solving skills

Components of Self-Determination 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Know yourself Value yourself Plan Act Experience outcomes and learn Hoffman, A. (2003) http: //www. ericdigests. org/2004 -2/self. html

A Self Assessment Inventory Planning for Success: Accommodations, Learning Strategies & Assistive Technology that work for me A Self-Assessment Inventory 2003 edition - legacy of the LOTF v Current 2009 revision linked to CCDI - LD Resource Guide v

Guides a 3 Step Process of Self-Discovery 1. 2. Identifying Academic Challenges and Processing Strengths & Difficulties Creating a Plan For Success Accommodations � Learning strategies � Assistive technology � 3. Creating a Plan for Success � Using your Strengths

Step 1 - Executive Functioning: Do you have Difficulty… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Breaking down tasks Keeping track of appointments Monitoring your own progress Organizing your activities Understanding how you learn

Step 2 - Executive Functioning Plan For Success Accommodations q Tutoring (beyond what is normally available) q Learning Strategies Training q Assistive Technology Training q Orientation Programs q Copies of notes from peer note-taker or faculty q Clarification of Assignments from faculty q Access to computers with organizational software Etc.

Plan for Success (continued) Learning Strategies for breaking complex tasks into smaller steps q Short term goal setting q Step-by-step guidelines and procedures Etc. Strategies for planning and organization q Master calendar of important assignments, tests, events q Structures and routines (detailed time tables, schedules) Etc. Strategies for self-monitoring and tracking details q Checklists of tasks to be completed in specific timeframes q Maintain an agenda Etc.

Plan for Success (continued) Assistive Technology for general planning and organization q Electronic organizers q Computer organizational systems Etc. Technology for structuring written assignments q Organizational software q Assignment calculator Technology for self-monitoring written accuracy q Editing software with auditory feedback

Step 3 - Plan for Success: Using Your Strengths Using organizational software q Being the organizer of presentation or study groups q Creating detailed timelines for your assignments and study times q Taking time to evaluate your own progress to determine if changes are necessary to reach your goals q Selecting programs which capitalize on Executive Functioning strengths q

Using Plan for Success: Self Advocacy in Action IPLAN I – Inventory (Complete self-assessment) P – Provide Inventory Information (Create Plan for Success) L – Listen and Respond (Discuss with Disability Service Provider) A – Ask questions (Request services & training) N – Name your goals (Use choices, evaluate and adjust) Van. Deusen, Bos, Schumaker, Deshler (1994)

Case Studies Guiding the process of self discovery for: 1. 2. 3. Reading Comprehension Visual – Motor Coordination Verbal Expression

Discussion Inventory Self-Discovery Process Advantages Disadvantages

Do you think this Inventory could help your students? 1. 2. Yes No

Questions? Thanks Pam and Diane

References � � LD Resource guide (2008) http: //www. disabilityissues. ca/documents/LDRes our. pdf Hoffman, A. (2003) http: //www. ericdigests. org/2004 -2/self. html Brinckerhoff, L. C. et. al (2002). Postsecondary Education and Transition for Students with Learning Disabilities. Reiff, Gerber, and Ginsberg (1997). Exceeding Expectations.