Supporting the development of skills associated with self-determination (e.g., goal setting and attainment, problem solving) and providing opportunities to practice those skills impacts valued school and postschool outcomes of students with complex communication needs. To address this need, the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI)…

Self-determination can support student mental health, particularly related to internalizing behaviors, because self-determined actions enable self-motivating consequences (i.e., self-efficacy). Self-regulation--a subset of self-determination--is often utilized by interventionists to improve self-determination and student behavior. Self-regulation…

Physical education is the perfect place to learn self-advocacy skills. Through the practice of self-advocacy, children will find and utilize their voices in the classroom and beyond. Self-advocacy teaches students how to speak up, make life decisions, gather information, find those who will support them in their journey, know their rights and…

Among different transitions that happen in a young person's life, transition to adulthood can be one of the most challenging. The new post-school environment requires increased self-determination, including self-awareness, self-advocacy, self-management, and other important skills that help one function as an independent adult. Because it takes…

This paper presents a conceptual framework to understand the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) through the perspective of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The Nurtured Heart Approach and the Self-Determination Theory are discussed and the parallels are drawn between the two, to provide a theoretical foundation to NHA and support for its effectiveness,…

Self-determination, defined by acting as the causal agent in one's life, plays a critical role in the transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment, and community living for all students, including students with significant support needs. The "Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction" (SDLMI) is a teaching model…

Although residential school characteristics (e.g., smaller class sizes, the availability of remedial education, student-centered curricula, flexible scheduling) are tailored to better support students with challenges (Kleiner et al., 2002), these modifications alone may not be enough to improve the challenging behaviors that students in…

The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) is an evidence-based model of instruction implemented by a facilitator (e.g., general or special education teacher, family member, related service professional, transition professional) to enable students to learn to self-regulate problem solving in service to a goal. Students learn how to…

The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) is an evidence-based model of instruction implemented by a facilitator (e.g., general or special education teacher, family member, related service professional, transition professional) to enable students to learn to self-regulate problem solving in service to a goal. Students learn how to…

Problem solving is recognized as a critical component to becoming a self-determined individual. The development of this skill should be fostered in the early years through the use of age-appropriate direct and embedded activities. However, many early childhood teachers may not be providing adequate instruction in this area. This column provides a…

This chapter describes the importance of self-determination for transitions and supports for adults with disabilities. Self-determination is defined and its application to the disability context examined, followed by an overview of a multicomponent model to engage adults with disabilities to self-regulate problem solving to set and attain life and…

With a focus on the use of narrative approaches, this article is a commentary on decision-making support for people with profound intellectual and multiple disability (PIMD) at the end-of-life. Due to improved health care, people with PIMD are living longer lives than ever before. Therefore, they are increasingly facing decisions relating to…

Self-determination refers to a person's ability to have control of their life choices, decisions, and interactions with others. Self-determination skills include: 1) decision-making, 2) goal setting, 3) self-awareness, 4) problem-solving, 5) self-advocacy, 6) self-monitoring, and 7) self-efficacy. Researchers suggest that youth with or at-risk for…

This article introduces Kominkan and its practice on Japanese social education and how it facilitates Japanese adult education and lifelong learning in local communities. Historically, social education was understood as all education that promotes social development and societal progress. Kominkan, as Japanese social education institutions for…

Writing can be a method of expression for those who cannot or do not feel comfortable expressing themselves verbally. For students with disabilities, however, writing can be a challenging task because they often fail to see writing as a process. This article examines how to use the self-regulated strategy development model of writing, an…