While considerable progress is being documented in the field of special education, there is, however, a general concern about the quality of the preparation of students with disabilities transitioning from secondary school into community life. Literature indicates that the need for self-determination skills is more evident in youth with intellectual disabilities as studies describe them as less self-determined comparatively to peers without disabilities as well as those from other disability categories. The purpose of this study was documenting secondary special education teachers' self-reported instructional approaches, barriers to fostering self-determination in students with intellectual disabilities and teacher support needed to accomplish the educational goal. The sample was three middle and high school special education teachers from a southwestern state urban school district. Results showed secondary special education teachers as lacking mastery of the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies to help students with intellectual disabilities foster self-determination. Additionally, results indicated that secondary special education teachers encounter diverse barriers to fostering self-determination in students with intellectual disabilities. However, teachers' self-reported support needs can motivate them to provide effective sustained instruction to help students with intellectual disabilities foster self-determination. Suggestions for further research included replicating the study with a larger number of participants. Research is also needed to investigate special education teachers in rural areas to see if they encounter similar barriers as urban teachers in fostering self-determination in students with intellectual disabilities. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]