Why is self-determination important for students with disabilities in postsecondary education?
Self-Determination is a critical skill for success of students with disabilities in postsecondary education, because after high school graduation they are no longer entitled to the services detailed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. In the postsecondary setting, people with disabilities must disclose and describe their need for accommodations to the Office of Disability Services, which determines their eligibility for those accommodations. Students with disabilities may need to advocate for accommodations that are not readily offered. They may also need to explain their accommodations to others, such as professors or roommates. The elements of self-determination described above are key to achieving goals. A student in a postsecondary setting must believe that he or she can be successful, make decisions, act independently, evaluate and modify performance in various situations as necessary, and adjust goals and plans to improve performance or success.
