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Youth in Transition Toolkit:

Youth in Transition Toolkit

  1. Minnesota’s Youth in Transition Framework
  2. Educate yourself
  3. Engage families
  4. Support youth
    1. My best life
    2. In(ter)dependent living
    3. Employment
    4. Postsecondary education and training
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Postsecondary education and training

Advocacy and supports

Self-advocacy in postsecondary education and training

Does the youth know their own disability and why they received additional assistance while in high school? Can they explain without assistance from others their educational needs and the accommodations they've used successfully?

While a youth is in high school, many decisions are made by parents, teachers, counselors and other professionals. Having support is also important in postsecondary education and training, but the youth should be the one to determine when assistance is needed, provide the relevant information, and make the final decision. Encourage youth to review their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan and their 3-year re-evaluation or medical documentation with their support team. Support youth in taking a more active role in discussions about their educational goals and choices so they have a better understanding of their disability and educational needs.

  • Awareness: Understand what self-advocacy means within postsecondary education and training programs.
  • Exploration: Identify strengths, preferences, interests and needs related to self-advocacy within postsecondary education and training programs.
  • Preparation: Practice self-advocacy skills at home, school and in the community.
  • Implementation: Use appropriate self-advocacy skills in postsecondary education and training programs.

Instruction in self-advocacy

Hear what young people have to say about self-advocacy

Watch this 4 minute video and learn about different environments and experiences where these young people advocated for themselves in work, in school and with family.

Self-Advocacy

 

LEARN: Develop your knowledge

Learn how to help youth in exploring self-advocacy in postsecondary education and training.

Review these recommendations from the Department of Education and find out how to help students understand their disabilities, explain their disabilities to their professors to obtain accommodations, and develop the computer and time-management skills required of college students.

DO: Work with youth

Find resources to help youth explore self-advocacy in postsecondary education and training.

The Navigating College Handbook (PDF) by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network covers aspects of college life including accommodations, housing, health and safety, advocacy, and social life. While some of the information is specific to students who are autistic, much of the information applies to any youth with a disability.

Navigating College Handbook (PDF)
Next: Accommodations and assistive technology »