psychologyPOWER OF SELF-ADVOCACY
Self-Determination & Advocacy
Empowering students to speak up for themselves, make decisions, express needs, and shape their own adult lives.
record_voice_overPOWER OF SELF-ADVOCACY
Making Things Happen in Your Own Life
ACHIEVE is committed to helping students build skills in self-determination which empower a person to engage in goal setting, decision making, and to make things happen in their own lives.
More than Twice as Likely to Be Employed
Special education research shows students who graduate with self-determination skills are more than 2x as likely to be employed one year later and earn significantly higher wages.
Through peer mentorship and dedicated classroom discussion, students learn to view mistakes as learning steps and confidently request accommodations in work and community settings.
flagSelf-Determination Curriculum
- person Knowing Yourself: Recognizing personal strengths, values, interests, and speaking up confidently.
- hearing Expressing Accommodations: Articulating workplace needs and learning accommodations clearly to employers and mentors.
- lightbulb Positive Growth Mindset: Reframing challenges, embracing constructive feedback, and persisting through obstacles.
- groups Social Interactions: Practicing socially appropriate responses, peer boundaries, and active listening skills.
- share_location Community Resources: Knowing local support agencies, vocational rehabilitation, and how to independently access them.
- ads_click Goal Setting & Tracking: Creating measurable goals, evaluating milestones, and adjusting action plans.