Inclusion
Inclusion is an essential value to supporting the transition of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including in their post-secondary education and training environments, workplaces, and the communities they live in. Inclusive transition practices promote belongingness, respect, and equitable access to education, work, and community life. Research consistently demonstrates that inclusive experiences can lead to improved educational and employment outcomes, stronger and more supportive relationships, greater self-determination, and a higher quality of life for people with and without disabilities. Creating inclusive communities requires removing barriers, providing appropriate supports and accommodations, and recognizing the right of all individuals to participate in and contribute to their schools, workplaces, and communities.
Inclusion Resources
- National Technical Assistance Center on Inclusion: https://transitionta.org/
- Association of University Centers on Disabilities: https://www.aucd.org/
- TIES Center: https://tiescenter.org/
- Disability Hub MN-D: https://disabilityhubmn.org/
- Think College: https://thinkcollege.net/
- Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools: https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/unified-champion-schools
- Inclusion International: https://inclusivefutures.org/inclusion-international/
Self-Determination
The transition from youth to adulthood is a critical period, as most young adults are legally recognized as their own decision-makers. As adults, individuals have a fundamental human right to make decisions about important aspects of their lives. For young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, this transition often raises questions for parents and caregivers about how best to support decision-making. One option some families consider is guardianship, which grants a substitute decision-maker legal authority over another person’s life. All forms of guardianship limit an individual’s rights to make their own decisions, including decisions about health care, living arrangements, and finances. Guardianship is one form of substitute decision-making, a broader category that also includes powers of attorney (long- or short-term), conservatorship, and health care directives. With appropriate education and supports, however, people with even the most intensive support needs can experience self-determination and make informed choices about their lives.
Self-Determination Resources
- The Zarrow Institute on Transition and Self-Determination
- Institute on Community Integration – Self-Determination and Self-Direction.
- Institute on Community Integration – A Model of Self-Determination.
- Choice, Preference and Disability - Promoting Self-Determination Across the Lifespan.
- University of Minnesota – Institute on Community Integration. IMPACT: Feature Issue on Self- Determination and Supported Decision-Making
Supported Decision Making
Supported decision-making (SDM) is an alternative to guardianship and other forms of substitute decision-making that preserves a person’s right to make their own decisions. Through SDM, a person with a disability chooses a trusted person or team (TSP) to provide the support they need to understand options, weigh consequences, and make informed decisions. The individual retains legal authority, while supporters assist with gathering information, explaining choices, and communicating decisions as needed. Families can seek legal advice about establishing supported decision-making arrangements and may also receive guidance from nonprofit organizations, such as the National Center for Excellence in Supported Decision-Making and WINGS-MN, which offer tools and practical tips for using SDM effectively.
Supported Decision Making Resources
- American Bar Association – Supported Decision Making
- American Civil Liberties Union - Supported Decision-Making National Resource Library
- American Civil Liberties Union - When Do I Want Support? Supported Decision-Making Self-Assessment Tool
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) The Right to Make Choices: International Laws and decision-Making by People with Disabilities
- National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making
- Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) – How to Make a Supported Decision-Making Agreement
- The La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework
- WINGS Minnesota
- Disability Hub MN: Introduction to Supported Decision Making
- Volunteers of America: Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making
Transition Implementation Tool
The Minnesota-based Transition Implementation Tool was developed with the input of youth with disabilities, their family members, teachers, support staff, and state-representatives. The tool is designed to assist youth with disabilities, their family members, transition coordinators, teachers, and support staff in navigating the transition process by taking into consideration the youth's dreams and goals, characteristics of an effective transition program, and potential barriers to successful transition at any level.
