Self-advocacy Skills Exhibited by Individuals with Disabilities Post-high School

Book excerpt: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was created in 1990 and the concept of Transition planning was mandated at both the federal and state level to meet the post-high school needs of individuals receiving special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An increased level of self-determination skills was exhibited by individuals who received instruction regarding their specific disability and how to self-advocate in conjunction with ample practice opportunities. This study examined the common high school experiences of individuals with disabilities, who self-advocated post-high school, asked for and received accomodations in a post-secondary education or employment environment. This study also examined the self-determination skills high school graduates exhibited post-high school and the accomodations they received in a post-secondary education or employment environment.