Empowering Individuals to Become Advocates for Themselves & Others
The mission of the Self-Determination in Action Program is to empower individuals with disabilities by teaching them about their rights, associated responsibilities, and how to achieve self-determination in their lives. Through the courses offered, participants will learn how to take control of their lives by advocating for themselves and making choices that align with their personal goals and values.
Each course uses practical examples to help participants recognize their rights in different situations, simplified explanations with printed guides, and accessible materials and activities to help participants fully understand the concepts presented.
Free Courses Available:
My Life, My Rights: This is course focuses on self-determination. It provides a foundation to participants on how to identify when something is a right. Participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities and how to apply both into their everyday life. This course is for all abilities!
Topics:
- Getting to Know You Better
- Daily Life and Employment and Community Living
- Safety and Security
- Healthy Living, Social and Spirituality
- Civic Engagement and Advocacy
My Voice, My Power: This course can build on the My Life, My Rights course or stand-alone. The course teaches self-advocacy skills like how to communicate well, make choices, and solve problems. You will learn about important laws and protections. You will practice through activities and other learning methods. You will also learn how to speak up for yourself and stand up for your rights in daily life.
Topics:
- History of the Disability Rights Movement
- Communication Styles
- Active Listening Skills
- Learning How to Make Choices and Problem Solve
- Developing Your Good Life
Our Voice, Our Community: This course focuses on advocacy and being involved in your community. “Our community” means all the places and groups people are part of, not just people with disabilities. Participants learn how to speak up, work with others, solve problems, and understand how decisions are made at the local and state level. Participants will learn how to advocate on their own or with others.
Throughout the course, participants will explore:
- How to decide when and how to advocate
- Voting and informed choice
- The difference between local and state government and who makes which decisions
- Ways to connect and engage in the community
- How allies can strengthen advocacy efforts
- What it means to be a strong and respectful leader
Enrolling in Self-Determination in Action Courses:
Who can enroll?
Courses are available to anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability, age 17 or older with a desire to become more self-determined in their lives.
When and where do courses take place?
We are flexible! Organizations may schedule to host a course or individual participants may register for courses on-site at Easterseals. Our mission is to make Self- Determination courses accessible to all. Currently we are providing courses in the St. Louis Metro area, St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County and in the Kansas City Metro area, Platte County, Buchanan County, and Clay County.
Questions?
If you're interested in learning more or enrolling, please contact our Self-Determination team at 1-800-200-2119 or selfdetermination@esmw.org.
