Students with mental health disabilities face stigmas and a general lack of understanding about their disabilities probably more than individuals with any other type of disability. These students tend to have greater difficulties in social relationships, problems with self-esteem, and often, difficulties with self-management activities (e.g., anger control, hygiene maintenance, organization). To have a successful future in the community and workplace, it is critical that students with mental health disabilities develop self-determination skills.

• What is Self-Determination?
• Why is Self-Determination Important for Students with Disabilities?
• Strategies for Teaching Self-Determination
• Self-Advocacy
• Skills Needed to Self-Advocate
• Self Advocacy Skill Development in the Career Preparation Phase
• Self Advocacy Skill Development in the Career Development Phase
• Self Advocacy Skill Development in the Career Transition Phase

Click here for an example of a Self-Determination/Self-Advocacy Model Program.