Anne+Osowski

** The interconnectedness of: Self-Advocacy, Person-Centered Planning and Self-Determination **
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====I really enjoyed the [|Get Out of the Box] video and the message that was depicted. I think individuals with disabilities and their family members sometimes feel conflicted over what is best for the individual in going forward and creating a life that most appropriately suits that person. The parents or caretakers may feel the need to protect whereas the individual has to perhaps aggressively pursue “breaking out.” This is where self-advocacy, person-centered planning and self-determination all coincide.====

====The one characteristic that self-advocacy, person-centered planning, and self-determination have in common is the move towards independence. In order to be a self advocate and self-determined person, realistic short-term and long-term goals are necessary, including strategies for success, a support network, and a belief in oneself. If all of these entities are in place there is much less left to chance. A sense of accomplishment is a by-product of successfully determining one’s future and advocating for it.====

====In my professional work I sometimes see a struggle between the student and the parent. The student and parent have different perspectives. The parent may be focusing on success for his/her child with an element of protection whereas the student is focusing on success with an element of independence. In addition, for a lot of parents up until their student comes to college they have been, perhaps, a major or minor spokesperson in their son or daughter’s life. However, as the student enters the postsecondary environment, that is no longer the case.====