A survey of 510 practitioners engaged in support services to college students with learning disabilities investigated attitudes toward and practice of self-advocacy training and methods to reduce student dependence on programs and increase autonomy. While most expressed strong support for self-advocacy practices, it was found that far fewer use…

Investigates whether autonomy and parental attachment in a diverse group of undergraduate women (N=325) varied by class year, as suggested by the Chickering model. Results revealed a pattern of autonomy development that differed from the model's. Although student autonomy increased with class year, students displayed no decreased attachment to…

This study investigated the musculoskeletal consequences of travel aids, particularly white canes and guide dogs, as perceived by 21 individuals (ages 27-68) with visual impairments or blindness. They experienced a variety of negative physical effects that they denied, ignored, or minimized because of benefits derived from being independently…

Offers suggestions for enabling and enhancing self-determination skills during the transition planning process for high school students with severe disabilities. Suggestions include an emphasis on student participation in transition planning, student decision making about goals and needed services, and student evaluation of the acceptability of…

Discusses the preservation of learner autonomy in an era of increasingly pervasive technology and structured learning environments. Argues that the teacher must be wary of technologies and materials that remove learner choice, and must take advantage of environments in which independent learning can take place. (MSE)

Two studies examined middle- and lower-class Brazilian children's concepts of personal choice and social regulation. Found that subjects maintained a heterogeneous orientation to rules and authority which includes personal choice. Class differences indicated that hierarchical social structures affect children's sense of autonomy. However,…

This article discusses four necessary elements of the self-advocacy movement: gaining awareness of one's social and political situation; gaining awareness of individual strengths and potential; taking action through participation in community organizations; and having advisors collaborate with people with disabilities rather than treating them as…

Norman Kunc, consultant on educational and disability issues, discusses his early segregated education and perceived devaluation due to his cerebral palsy; the intrusion of therapies into his daily schedule; and the sometimes assaultive nature of physical therapy. Kunc views his disability as a characteristic of his personal diversity and…

Model proposes that young people's perceived autonomy support in physical education will affect their perceived locus of causality, intentions, and physical activity behavior in leisure time. Results support the trans-contextual model indicating that perceived autonomy support in an educational context influences motivation in a leisure-time…

The following categories of research on choice behavior of individuals with severe developmental disabilities are reviewed: assessing their choice making, building choice opportunities in daily contexts, and evaluating the effects of choice making. Research suggests that most people with severe developmental disabilities are capable of making…

Asked parents and children about children's daily life at home, with emphasis on risk and decision making. Found that differences in perspective and debates between the two groups hinged on ideas about socialization and a good childhood; children, while recognizing and somewhat endorsing parental emphasis on children's future, placed considerable…

Discusses the use of the Internet for increased self-advocacy by persons with physical impairments. Current legislation relating to access and technology and technology's role in increasing independence are also addressed. Profiles are provided of people using the Internet for advocacy and projects encouraging adaptive technology and…

Details the history of the transition movement and the participation of students with disabilities in transition planning. Reviews legislative changes that emphasize self-determination and explains the link between self-determination and students' mental health. Also identifies characteristics of schools that promote self-determination for all…

The study evaluated the effects of enabling two profoundly, multiply handicapped adults to select leisure items with which they wanted to interact. Results showed that when individuals were able to make choices, their rates of interacting with leisure materials increased, compared to interaction with instructor-selected items. (Author/JDD)

Examined determinants of perceived deficiency of autonomy (PDA) of school administrators. Grounded on Israeli sample, found that combination of gender, professional orientation and students' socioeconomic status were best predictors of PDA. Educational policy implication is that job autonomy may have effect upon job performance and satisfaction…