Accept yourself declare yourself - Rhode Island

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Secondary Transition Workbook Rhode Island Transition Council Third Edition

Table of Contents

Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................4 Opening Activity ................................................................................................................................................6

Stage 1: Accept Yourself .......................................................................................................................................7 So They Say You Have A Disability .................................................................................................................. 7 Activity ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Getting To Know Yourself .............................................................................................................................. 12 Activity ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 Activity ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 Activity ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 What Does It All Mean?................................................................................................................................. 24 Stage 1 Review ............................................................................................................................................. 25

Stage 2: Declare Yourself ................................................................................................................................. 27 Advocacy: What Is It? .................................................................................................................................... 27 Self - Advocacy Skills .................................................................................................................................... 27 Healthcare Advocacy .................................................................................................................................... 30 Activity ..................................................................................................................................................... 31 Self-Advocacy Dos And Don'ts ..................................................................................................................... 33 Self-Advocacy In School ................................................................................................................................ 34 Setting Post-School Goals ............................................................................................................................ 36 Activity .................................................................................................................................................... 37 Activity .................................................................................................................................................... 39 Getting Ready For Your IEP Meeting............................................................................................................. 41 Activity .................................................................................................................................................... 42 The IEP Meeting ............................................................................................................................................ 44 Activity .................................................................................................................................................... 46

Stage 3: Empower Yourself................................................................................................................................ 48 What Is Empowerment? ............................................................................................................................... 48 Empowerment Versus Control...................................................................................................................... 49 Activity .................................................................................................................................................... 51 How Can My Family Help Me? ..................................................................................................................... 52 Accommodations ? What Are They? ........................................................................................................... 55 Activity ..................................................................................................................................................... 57 How Can I Get Support? ............................................................................................................................... 59 Civil Rights and Empowerment .................................................................................................................... 62

Empowerment Opportunity ............................................................................................................................... 63 Activity ..................................................................................................................................................... 65 Closing Activity ....................................................................................................................................... 67

Acknowledgements ? T his Rhode Island Youth Transition Workbook has been created with the help of the excellent

work of Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network. ? The Rhode Island Transition Council ? The Rhode Island Department of Health Youth Advisory Council

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What is the Rhode Island Youth Transition Workbook?

The missions of this workbook are to:

? H elp you reach your potential by developing self-determination, advocacy, and leadership skills

? M otivate and inspire you to seek positive and meaningful participation in your transition as you take on the responsibilities and rewards that come with adulthood in the world of employment, higher education, vocational training, independent living, health, and wellness

? K now that you are a valued member of society, you have a voice, and your voice matters

? C hallenge you and other young adults with disabilities to actively participate in leadership development activities so you can help younger peers to: 1) Achieve successful transition to adulthood 2) Develop deeper connections to communities and peers 3) Feel more in control of their lives 4) Achieve better post-school outcomes 5) Increase self-esteem and have stronger personal identities 6) Improve life skills and decision-making abilities 7) Establish and maintain mentoring opportunities between youth with disabilities and young adults who have accomplished successful transitions

It is our hope this workbook will serve as a launching point for Rhode Island youth with disabilities to become self-advocates and leaders in their lives and in the lives of others.

Without you, society would not be a whole. You should know that your voice should be heard no matter how small, loud, or soft. You have the same rights and responsibilities as any other member of society.

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What would you do if you knew you

wouldn't fail?

Work for the NBA? Be a teacher? Save the whales? Play the lead guitar in a band? Be a nurse? Solve criminal cases?

Fight fires?

Maybe you don't know yet, or you have not really thought about it. Either way you already have the most important part?you!

The Rhode Island Youth Transition Workbook was developed to help you make the most out of your high-school years and to assist you in your transition to the adult world. Think about all you have accomplished as you transitioned from your elementary and middle school years, leaving childhood behind, to where you are now, your adolescence and your high-school years. This is a time of self-discovery and opportunity. The decisions you make and the actions you take will set you on a path towards adulthood. There are three parts in the workbook:

Stage 1: Accept Yourself Stage 2: Declare Yourself Stage 3: Empower Yourself

The first part, Accept Yourself, is designed to help you better understand who you are as a person, student, and community member. The second part, Declare Yourself!, is intended to help you to make yourself known to your family and friends, your teachers, and other people in your community. Finally, the third part, Empower Yourself!, will help you take charge of your life.

This Youth Transition Workbook is full of activities to assist you on your journey. Complete the activities...make the most of it!

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Activity

I Am Poem

Complete this poem by following the directions in the parenthesis.

I am I wonder I hear I see I want I am I pretend I feel I touch I worry I cry I am I understand I say I dream I try I hope I am

(two special characteristics you have) (something you are curious about) (an imaginary sound) (an imaginary sight) (a desire)

(the first line of the poem repeated) (something you pretend to do)

(a feeling about something imaginary) (an imaginary touch)

(something that worries you) (something that makes you sad) (the first line of the poem repeated) (something you know to be true)

(something you believe in) (something you dream about) (something you make an effort to do)

(something you hope for) (the first line of the poem repeated)

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