Maria+Lehane-Module+6+posting

Module 6 These last two modules have been very beneficial for me on both a personal and professional level. While I was familiar with self-determination and self-advocacy, and the concept of PCP; I was confused and overwhelmed by the amount of information and applications. I feel that I now have a much better understanding in regard to self-determination and self-advocacy and how PCP fits into the individual student’s life. Self-determination addresses the “knowledge, skills and attitudes that students need to take more control and responsibility for their lives.” Self-determination also addresses the “strengths, preferences and interests “of the student. In addition, Self-determination helps the student to explore and learn about themselves in order to achieve their goals in the future. Self-advocacy is taking the process further by having individuals learn to speak out, or make their intentions known to others of what it is that they need and want in order to achieve those future goals. Both self-determination and self-advocacy lead to empowerment for individuals with disabilities, and also can effectively change how other people view them. Person Centered Planning (PCP) focuses the attention back to the individual with the disability and what they want as opposed to what everybody else thinks is the right thing to do for that person. PCP in combination with programs such as MAPS and PATHS helps the individual too strategically and realistically plan for the future along with a strong team of support in place to help guide the process. While self-determination, self-advocacy and PCP are independently important concepts, they are part of an extensive and long term process of helping an individual reach their long-term goals and objectives.

**//From Joe - I appreciate all the work and reflection you are putting into this, and it seems that it is starting to come into focus for you. As I mentioned in another response, the originators of PATH and MAPS are speaking in Connecticut at the end of April. I'll pass along the information when I know more.//**