Effective Self-Determination Practices for Students with Disabilities: Implications for Students with Visual Impairments

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-128
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Cmar
Keyword(s):  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Individualized Education Program ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Year 2000

Introduction: Given the lack of self-determination research and curricula focusing on children and youths with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision), the purpose of this article was to review the literature on effective self-determination practices for students with other disabilities for applicability to students with visual impairments. Method: A narrative review was conducted that focused on six self-determination practices for students with disabilities. Studies of the effectiveness of these practices that were published in the year 2000 or later were included in the review. Results: A total of 14 articles were identified that focused on the following interventions: Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction, Whose Future Is It Anyway?, Check and Connect, Self-Advocacy Strategy, Self-Directed Individualized Education Program, and Computer-Assisted Instruction. The levels of evidence supporting each intervention varied from potential to moderate, with none falling into the strong category. Discussion: Although several studies included at least one student with visual impairment, their results were not disaggregated by disability category. As a result, the existing literature does not allow for any specific conclusions to be made about the effects of these interventions on students with visual impairments. Additional research that evaluates self-determination interventions among this population is warranted. Implications for practitioners: By providing descriptions of six self-determination interventions and research evidence (including contextual information) supporting each one, this study serves as a starting point for practitioners to identify curricula that may be used to promote self-determination among their students. For students with visual impairments to fully benefit from these interventions, preteaching and accommodations by teachers of students with visual impairments or orientation and mobility specialists is necessary.

Promoting Self-Determination for Students with Visual Impairments: A Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-113
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Cmar ◽  
Kasey Markoski
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Transition Planning ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Introduction: Self-determination is a highly valued but under-researched component of the expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairments. In this study, the authors present results of a literature review on self-determination for children and youths with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision). Method: Self-determination studies were identified through searches of electronic databases for articles published from 2003 to 2016. Two researchers reviewed the articles and rated them in terms of quality indicators for research in special education. Results: Eleven articles, using correlational, qualitative, group experimental or quasi-experimental, and single-case research designs, met inclusion criteria for this literature review. Adherence to the quality indicators varied from 33% to 100%. Discussion: Students with visual impairments need age-appropriate opportunities to develop self-determination skills in school, home, and community settings. Short-term, focused programs and interventions may be promising methods for teaching self-determination skills; however, more research needs to be conducted to establish evidence-based practices in this area. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners can facilitate development of self-determination skills by supporting students in making decisions affecting their lives, encouraging involvement of students in the education and transition planning processes, and promoting self-advocacy.

Teaching Transition Self-Determination Knowledge and Skills Using the ME! Bell Ringers

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mindy E. Lingo ◽  
Kendra L. Williams-Diehm ◽  
James E. Martin ◽  
Amber E. McConnell
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Special Education Teachers ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Individualized Education Program ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Disability Awareness

Special education teachers report lack of time and a shortage of appropriate curricula as reasons impeding implementation of transition education in their classrooms. However, research indicates school and postschool outcomes of students with disabilities improve significantly with transition instruction. The ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy materials and activities were developed to teach students to understand their disability and abilities, rights and responsibilities, and self-advocacy skills, which are all critical self-determination components. This article details a time-efficient means to teach the essence of the ME! Lessons using ME! Bell Ringers, which include instruction in self-advocacy, student involvement in individualized education program (IEP), and disability awareness, using 10-min lessons that can be taught at the beginning of class in a daily or weekly format.

A Survey of Blind Orientation and Mobility Specialists about the Accommodations and Teaching Strategies They Use when Providing Orientation and Mobility Services

2021 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110180
Author(s):  
Nora Griffin-Shirley ◽  
Laura Bozeman ◽  
The Nguyen ◽  
Vitalis Othuon ◽  
Anita Page ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Teaching Techniques ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Orientation And Mobility ◽  
Immersion Training

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to survey orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors who are blind concerning the identification of accommodations, teaching techniques, and resources to teach students with visual impairments (i.e., blindness or low vision). Methods: The study utilized an online survey via Qualtrics (2019) with 27 closed- and open-ended items to identify accommodations, teaching techniques, and resources needed. The survey was e-mailed to membership and certification organizations requesting O&M instructors who are blind to participate for 12 weeks. The participants were 15 O&M specialists, mostly male and Caucasian. Survey data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Forty percentage of the participants reported that there were minimal standards that they had to demonstrate prior to their admittance into an O&M program. About one-fourth of the participants mentioned their program was modified because of their visual impairment. Eleven participants (73%) reported that their nonvisual instructional strategies and techniques were predominantly gained through their university programs or other visually impaired instructors (27%, n = 4). Discussion: Aspects of this study that are similar to the current literature are smaller faculty-to-student ratios for blindfold or simulation cane courses, accommodations used by participants, and suggestions for monitoring the safety of students. The results revealed the participants’ strong belief in the importance of immersion training, the use of the Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT), nonvisual skills during O&M instruction, sleep shades, and students’ problem-solving abilities. Implication for practitioners: Although the participants had received SDCT immersion training, most personnel preparation programs approved by the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired do not use this method. For this reason, it is important for faculty to identify best teaching practices from among all programs and to integrate these practices into their curricula. Sharing best practices could strengthen all programs. Moreover, students with visual impairments should be taught early about self-advocacy and the ability to have helpful knowledge about one’s skills at a university and in the workplace.

Increasing Self-Advocacy for Secondary Students With Disabilities: Evaluating Effects of ME!

Inclusion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-207
Author(s):  
Valerie L. Mazzotti ◽  
Dawn A. Rowe ◽  
Jennifer C. Wall ◽  
Katie E. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Research And Practice

Abstract Self-determination skills are a critical skill set that may increase the likelihood of students with disabilities attaining positive inclusive experiences in school that lead to inclusion into society. Although a number of self-determination curricula exist, there is limited research that evaluates the effectiveness of the ME! curriculum for improving secondary students with disabilities' self-advocacy knowledge and skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the ME! on self-advocacy and self-awareness knowledge and skills for secondary students with disabilities. Results demonstrated a functional relation between the ME! and participants' knowledge of ME! content. All participants showed increased participation during posttransition planning meetings. Findings support use of the ME! for enhancing students' self-advocacy and self-awareness knowledge and skills and generalizing that knowledge to authentic, inclusive contexts. Limitations and implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Virtual Mentoring and Persistence in STEM for Students With Disabilities

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noel Gregg ◽  
April Galyardt ◽  
Gerri Wolfe ◽  
Nathan Moon ◽  
Robert Todd
Keyword(s):  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Stem Learning ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Virtual Mentoring ◽  
Mentoring Practices ◽  
Growth Differences ◽  
And Mathematics

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of virtual mentoring for enhancing the persistence of secondary and postsecondary students with disabilities engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. The student participants ( N = 189) were all engaged in STEM coursework and enrolled in a virtual-mentoring program for a span of 4 years. Persistence was measured with an online survey designed to evaluate growth across self-determination, self-advocacy, STEM aspirations, and self-efficacy (math and science). After participating in virtual-mentoring practices, the most significant improvement was demonstrated in students’ perception of self-determination and self-advocacy. Growth differences were identified across type of disability and race/ethnicity populations. Implications pertaining to STEM aspirations and self-efficacy were addressed.

Making the Grade: College Students with Visual Impairments

1997 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.W. McBroom
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
School Students ◽  
Transition Experiences

This study of the transition experiences of 102 college students with visual impairments (including students who are blind and students with low vision) and of the services offered for students with disabilities at 66 colleges found that the colleges provided most of the services students need to be successful. The students also described the numerous areas for which visually impaired high school students should prepare before they enter college and the skills they should develop or hone.

A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Promote Self-Determination for Students With Disabilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Burke ◽  
Sheida K. Raley ◽  
Karrie A. Shogren ◽  
Mayumi Hagiwara ◽  
Cristina Mumbardó-Adam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
School Context ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Decision Making Problem

Promoting self-determination is critical to enabling young people to achieve education-related goals and positive postschool employment, community participation, and quality of life outcomes. By developing skills associated with self-determination such as choice-making, decision-making, problem solving, goal setting and attainment, planning, self-management, self-advocacy, self-awareness, and self-knowledge, students with disabilities are better prepared to make purposeful decisions and choices. We conducted a meta-analysis of the literature on interventions to promote self-determination and associated skills with students with disabilities in the school context. We analyzed the types of interventions, populations of students with whom they were implemented, outcomes, and rigor of research. Results demonstrated that interventions to promote self-determination can be effective for students across grade levels, disability labels, and settings. There remains a need for increased focus on promoting self-determination within inclusive, general education settings with students with and without disabilities and of diverse backgrounds. Future researchers should also focus on the rigor of methodological design and associated reporting when conducting school-based research. Additional implications for research and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Supporting Students in the Classroom: Training Paraprofessionals to Teach Self- Advocacy and Self-Determination Skills

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Courteney Mayumi Tse ◽  
Melinda R. Pierson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Student Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Advanced Training ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Classroom Training ◽  
Support Students

Students with disabilities lack the skills to become independent self-advocates. This article details a training program that was implemented for paraprofessionals who support students with disabilities in public school classrooms in the United States. Results indicated that advanced training of paraprofessionals improved student support which led to greater independence for the students with disabilities.

Effective Practices for Teaching Self-Determination

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalun Zhang ◽  
Yi-Fan Li ◽  
Melina Cavazos
Keyword(s):  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Instructional Practices ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Transition Planning ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Educational Outcome ◽  
Individuals With Disabilities ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Choice Making

Self-determination refers to a set of skills that helps individuals with disabilities control their life and achieve better inclusive outcomes. In special education, self-determination is often conceptualized as an educational outcome, which recognizes the important role that education plays in the development of student self-determination skills. Consequently, a number of educational practices have been developed to teach students with disabilities these essential skills. Some of the practices focus on helping students to acquire and maintain these skills; others focus on developing a conducive environment that allows and encourages individuals with disabilities to apply and exercise self-determination skills. Research has provided empirical evidence to support the need for teaching self-determination skills to students with disabilities. A number of evidence-based practices have been recommended for schools and parents to use in teaching these skills to students with disabilities. Some of the strategies focus on creating conducive environments that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to apply and exercise self-determination skills; others provide suggestions to families regarding what they can do to promote self-determination. A particular focus is on instructional practices because of the strong link between education and self-determination. Some popular instructional practices include teaching choice-making, self-management instruction, involving students in the transition planning process, and teaching self-determination skills through a self-determination curriculum such as the ChoiceMaker Curriculum, Steps to Self-Determination, Whose Future Is It Anyway?, Next S.T.E.P. Curriculum, Self-Advocacy Strategy, and Self-Determined Learning Model for Instruction (SDMLI).

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