Overview

__Terms to know: __


 * 1) __ Transition __ - An organized set of activities that help you move from high school to college, post-secondary training, independent living, or work successfully. Transition focuses on what you need and what you want to do with your future.
 * 2) __ Self Advocate __ - A person who speaks up for themselves and what they want!
 * 3) __ Post ____ School ____ Goal __ - Things that students decide to do with their life after they leave school.
 * 4) __ Individualized Education Plan (IEP) __ - A form that outlines your abilities, skills you need to work on in school, and your accommodations and helps you plan for your future goals.
 * 5) __ Americans' With Disabilities Act (ADA) __ - Law passed in 1990 by Congress to ensure that people with disabilities would have equal access and equal rights.

__The Post School Outcomes: __


 * 1) Post secondary education or training (going to a 2-4 year university, community college, technical school, or anything that furthers your education)
 * 2) Employment (getting a job)
 * 3) Independent Living (how to live on your own successfully – where do you want to live, how will you get around in your community, what do you want to do in your free time)

__Keys to being a good self advocate: __
 * 1) __ Do Research __ – Know your options
 * 2) __ Communication __ – Talk to people! Be assertive, but polite!
 * 3) __ Compromise __ – Let your teachers and parents lend a helping hand. They know their stuff.
 * 4) __ Teamwork __ – Know who you can ask to be a part of your IEP team.

__DO's and DON'Ts of being a self advocate: __ __Review Questions: __
 * DO's  ||   DON'Ts   ||
 * Be polite || Yell or Demand ||
 * Ask Questions || Be Shy ||
 * Know your information || Come to a meeting unprepared ||
 * Keep a record of important papers, phone numbers, and names. Be organized || Lose your records, phone numbers, names of people who helped and hindered you ||
 * Send Thank You notes and show your appreciation || Be ungrateful for people's time and effort ||
 * Give your contact information, and also remember to get theirs too! || Don't network ||
 * Be Confident || Be a push over or arrogant (overconfident) ||
 * 1)  What is transition and what are the three transition goal areas?
 * 2)  What is advocacy?
 * 3)  What are the four keys to being a good self advocate?
 * 4)  What are the DO's and DON'Ts of advocacy?
 * 5)  What questions should you ask your teacher and others about your IEP and transition plan?
 * 6)  How do you find supports you need?