The I’m Determined project and how it is a game changer for many youth and their parents
Parents of children with disabilities are often faced with complex decisions about their children. In the early years, they spend countless hours researching options, juggling medical appointments, navigating the special education system and advocating for their child. As the child reaches his early teen years, the types of decisions and the child’s role in those decisions evolves. This transition can be challenging for both the parent and their child.
For a young person to grow and develop their full potential, they must feel empowered to undertake a measure of control in their lives. In order to feel empowered, youth need to be self-determined. The Self-Determination Theory suggests that people must experience competence, autonomy and relatedness in order to experience high levels of self determination and wellbeing.
There are a number of transition services available to youth with disabilities and their families experiencing transition including vocational resources, post secondary education options and assessments. Unfortunately if a student with a disability lacks self determination, participation in transition activities may be impacted resulting in unmotivated youth and frustrated parents. So how can youth with disabilities struggling with self determination find support?
The I’m Determined (IMD) project is a state directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education. The project facilitates direct instruction and opportunities for youth with disabilities to practice competence, autonomy and relatedness so that they can become self determined.The IMD project works with youth, families and educators to provide engaging opportunities in supporting youth with disabilities to be self determined.
I have been a part of the I’m Determined state team as a Family Specialist since 2015. I’m Determined has had a profound impact on many youth and their families across the state of Virginia. I recently reached out to family members and parents of IMD youth leaders about the impact on their youth. I asked them the following question, “How has IMD been a game changer for your youth and your family?”
“IMD is a game changer because all the resources are applicable to everyone no matter who you are, or what you have been through. Because of that, it’s an opportunity to engage with one another in a way that fully expresses the diversity of the human experience and reminds us that variability is a gift that will always instruct us to be better citizens of humanity. “ Kendal Swartzentruber, Co-State Coordinator for IMD
“My thoughts as a parent of a child with autism and intellectual disability, in a world that tends to pass judgements, this is a judgement-free zone. The population of IMD encompasses many different disabilities and the kids embrace and accept one another for who they are, rather than a label. My daughter has made many friends over the years that she keeps in touch with frequently. IMD has been a blessing to my whole family!” Joan, parent
“This will be Christine’s last year at IMD. I can’t begin to tell you how much this program has meant to her and to us. She has grown so much using what she has learned from IMD. Also, she has made friends through IMD she keeps in contact with. We have been involved with this program for many years. IMO this is the best program that VDOE sponsors. Jesse, Kendal, Nickie, and our two TTAC rep’s Keli and Suzanne have been outstanding with IMD. Our family cannot express in words how grateful we are for this program and for you folks.” Ken, parent
“IMD has helped us build a community of support for our daughter. Often when we are navigating this journey there is a feeling of isolation. Being a parent of the IMD family has helped us see that we are not alone and there are wonderful people who are invested in helping our children reach their greatest potential. We have seen our daughter grow in her communication and advocacy skills due to being a part of IMD. We are thankful to those dedicated to this project and embrace the friends we have met along the way.” Tiffany, parent
For additional information about the I’m Determined project visit the website which includes contact information, videos and other tools. https://www.imdetermined.org/about/
Categories Disabilities