Practicing self-determination also means one experiences the consequences of making choices. The development of self-determination skills is a process that begins in childhood and continues throughout one's life. Self-determination is important for all people, but it is especially important, and often more difficult to learn, for young people with disabilities. Also, sometimes people assume that people with disabilities can't think for themselves. To take charge of your own life, you must be able to set goals, evaluate options, make choices and then work to achieve your goals.
Many agencies offer mentoring programs that match youth with an adult mentor.
Some specifically focus on youth with disabilities. Parents can help prepare their young adults with disabilities by giving them a growing number of opportunities to make their own decisions. Families should also provide their teenager with opportunities to explore employment, housing options, and community recreation programs in their community by utilizing their own network of relatives and friends, as well as formal service systems. Under recently enacted IDEA mandates for Transition, your local high school is responsible for providing transition services. Parents should make sure their students play an active role in identifying the goals and objectives of their Independent Transition Plan.