Self-determination is “the ability to identify and achieve goals based on a foundation of knowing and valuing yourself.” For over 30 years, research has found a positive relationship between high levels of self-determination in students with disabilities and their academic success, emotional well-being, and independence upon leaving school. Anna Merrill, Ph.D. candidate in School Psychology at Indiana University, completed a practicum placement at CRG last summer. We were very fortunate to have such a talented young professional working with us! Anna has created an online resource for parents, teachers and others that links self-determination to the concepts of resilience and grit. The focus of this resource is students in K-12 settings and can be found here. Look for a new book to be published in Summer 2016 by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (www.ahead.org) entitled, “Promoting Self-Determination in Higher Education: A Key to Retention, Graduation and Post-Graduation Success.” That book is being co-edited by Dr. David Parker, CRG’s Postsecondary Disability Specialist and ADD/Life Coach. It includes a chapter on resilience and grit written by Dr. Parker, Nicole Nelson (Disability Resource Center, Purdue University), and Anna Merrill. We hope both of these related resources will be of interest to all of us who strive to promote students’ self-determination, happiness, and life success.
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