In this episode, Dr. Christi Carnahan and Dr. Kate Doyle discuss the role of self-determination in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They explore the definition of self-determination and its evolution over time. They also highlight the importance of teaching self-determination skills to students and the impact it has on their lives. The conversation focuses on the program at the University of Cincinnati that involves high school students and pre-service teachers, where self-determination and pre-employment skills are taught based on student-developed goals. Dr. Cadi Dart, director of high school programming, shares her insights on mentoring pre-service teachers and conducting research in self-determination. The episode concludes with a discussion on the power of student voice and the importance of not giving up in helping individuals with significant communication needs express themselves.

Takeaways

• Self-determination involves having the essential skills to make educated choices for one's life, promoting quality of life.
• Teaching self-determination skills to students with disabilities has a significant impact on their lives and post-school outcomes.
• The program at the University of Cincinnati focuses on individualized instruction and internships based on student-developed goals.
• Student voice is crucial, and educators should never give up on finding ways to hear and support individuals with significant communication needs.

In this episode of 'Advancing the Conversation,' Dr. Christi Carnahan and Dr. Kate Doyle speak with special guest Mary Helen Richer, CEO of the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati. The discussion centers around the importance of self-determination in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mary Helen shares insights from her personal journey and professional experience, emphasizing the significance of community support and the role of parents and educators in fostering self-determination. The conversation touches on practical strategies for enabling autonomy and offering guided support, highlighting the impact of natural consequences and the importance of finding the right therapeutic and community resources.

In this episode of 'Advancing the Conversation,' Dr. Christi Carnahan and Dr. Kate Doyle from the University of Cincinnati's Special Education Department are joined by Ashley Barlow to welcome Dr. Amie Duncan, a clinical psychologist from Society Children's Hospital Medical Center. The discussion centers around self-determination, especially in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Amie Duncan delves into her research on life skills and executive functioning interventions for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. She discusses the critical role of planning, prioritizing, and developing daily living skills, all contributing to fostering independence and successful transitions to adulthood. The episode emphasizes the importance of early intervention and explicit instruction in building self-determination skills.

Takeaways

• Self-determination is a lifelong journey that starts at a young age and involves developing a sense of self, directing one's own path, and problem-solving.
• Executive functioning skills, such as planning, prioritizing, and time management, are crucial building blocks for self-determination.
• Teaching and fostering executive functioning skills should start early and involve explicit instruction and the use of compensatory strategies.
• Daily living skills, such as cleaning, cooking, and organizing, can be taught using task analysis and checklists, which help individuals with executive functioning challenges become more independent.
• Fostering independence and providing tools and strategies for individuals with executive functioning challenges can lead to increased self-determination and motivation.
• Explicit instruction and support from parents, teachers, and professionals are essential in helping individuals with executive functioning challenges develop self-determination skills.

Connect With Us:

• For more information about the University of Cincinnati's special education programs, visit online.uc.edu/SPED.
• To learn more about the programs for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, visit cech.uc.edu.
• Contact us with your thoughts and questions at advancetheconversation@uc.edu.

Join us on this journey as we advance the conversation on self-determination and its crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities.