IVRS is in need of Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) activities being developed in the area of self-advocacy instruction for high school students with disabilities. Self-advocacy refers to an individual's ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his/her own interests and/or desires. Self-determination means that individuals with disabilities have the freedom to plan their own lives, pursue the things that are important to them and to experience the same life opportunities as other people in their communities. It means taking the responsibility for communicating one’s needs and desires in a straightforward manner to others. The development of self-advocacy skills should be started at an early age. These skills will be needed in education, workplace and community settings.

IVRS is looking to have these activities developed from a student perspective. IVRS would like fun and engaging activities developed that will keep students interested but will also allow students to learn about advocating for themselves. Our staff would use these activities with groups of high school students to provide instruction on self-advocacy skills.