Learning Activity 1: Self-Determination and Opportunity
Time to complete: 1 hour
Tasks
Watch these slide presentations:
Read the following:
Suggested Discussion Board Activities and Assignments
Discussion Board Activity - Balancing Access and Risk
In this learning activity we've explored individual access to self-determination. From both research and practice we know that people who are deaf-blind, particularly those with multiple disabilities, are often denied basic access to self-determination. We have also considered the risks of missing out on environmental information. For example, it would be inappropriate for some students to walk to a bus stop independently, but for others, it might be a part of an IEP or transition goal.
Share your thoughts about how educators and family members can balance access to self-determination and risks. What supports, tools, or skills must be in place to support children or teens who are deaf-blind?
Share an example of a time when you were afraid to allow a student to take a risk. What does the “dignity of risk” mean to you?
Takeaway
It is important to understand influences on self-determination and use that knowledge to create self-determination opportunities for students.