Ashli+Mackey


 * Q: How are SA, PCP and SD connected?

The concepts of Self Advocacy, Person Centered Planning (PCP) and Self Determination are tied together across various core beliefs and processes, however seemingly most significant tie involves the utmost emphasis on the individual who it utilizing these processes. While environments in which an individual may participate in the use of these processes may vary, all three skills are not specifically designed to be limited by external factors. Granted specific methods of PCP may require a facilitator in order to function as intended, there are additional alternatives that offer more a direct route for increased individualized focus through the use of concepts from Self Advocacy (SA) and Self Determination (SD).

Person Centered Planning, or in schools Student Focused Planning, is a strengths based process that has evolved to actively pursue the dreams of an individual. As the individual's requests are at the center of this movement, the movement can be focused with the consideration of two key questions: Who is this Person? What community opportunities will enable this person to pursue his/her interests in a positive way? In answering the first question, concepts from Self Advocacy's core beliefs can be observed - being a person first and acknowledging a non-labeling identity. The message behind the words spoken, either a man with Schizophrenia or the Schizophrenic man, present two different focuses for the listener's identification. In the first example, the emphasis is placed on a common societal based classification of gender. In the second example, the emphasis is placed on the diagnosis - something uncommon in society and more frequently associated with negative characteristics. As PCP places the focus of identification, planning and decision making on the desires of the individual, by placing creating an identification based on an external diagnosis does not acknowledge the self-worth or value (SD) of this individual as a person.

When examining the beliefs and values that gave principle to the Self Advocacy movement, there are several points that can be directly contributed with concepts found in Self Determination. The belief that individuals with disabilities should make their own decisions, a value from Self Advocacy (SA), ties directly to the definition of Self Determination. Additionally, the beliefs that other people believe in the individual with a disability and that the individual believes in their value as a person are two concepts that are tied to the internal action that allows free choice without external compulsion (Self Determination). The principles of the Self Advocacy movement,1980- present, also are comparable and relatable to the process of utilizing one's Self Determination (SD) skills. SD outlines a process that can be summarized in the following steps of (1) know yourself and value yourself (2) plan (3) act (4) experience, outcome and learn. The principles of empowerment, learning and living together in the community and of equal opportunity assist in guiding an individual towards completing this four step process. Cumulatively these principles of SA contribute to the SD bound acknowledgement of the importance of self-worth and value.

In the videos presented about Sabine's utilization of these skills, the focus of the video and the services being provided were intended and designed with the individual. The inter-connected use of PCP, SA and SD was examined through the actions taken by the Sabine and her team members. Historically the voices of individuals with disabilities was marginalized, however with Sabine every possible accommodation allotted served to provide an emphasis on her role in determining the path of her future and her most current/immediate needs. The process of her PCP was fueled by both her knowledge of skills from SD and SA as well as her ability to use these skills in a productive manner that assisted her in identifying a goal to achieve. ||