Making My Voice Heard
Your Goals, Your Voice
Self‑determination and self‑advocacy are important skills. For some people, these skills come naturally. For others, they take time to learn. No matter how you develop them, your future belongs to you. Knowing what you want for your life and setting your own goals shows self‑determination. Speaking up for yourself and asking for what you need to reach those goals is self‑advocacy.
The Power of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is the act of speaking up for yourself, asking for what you want, and taking action to get it. People who self-advocate are more likely to thrive in school, work, and life.
Dalton talks about how it was hard for him to share that he has ADHD, but he realized that getting help would make school and work easier for him. He explains that it’s okay to ask for support and to use the tools that help you do your best. In this video, he shares why using support isn’t a weakness but an act of strength, reminding us that self‑advocacy is not only important—it’s essential.
4 Easy Steps to Speak Up for Yourself
Know Yourself
Think about what you’re good at and what you want to get better at.
Learn Your Rights
If you have a disability, you can get help at school or work. Know what help you can ask for.
Speak Up
Share your ideas, ask questions, and tell someone if something isn’t fair.
Get Support
Ask for help from people you trust, like friends, family, or teachers. Practice makes you stronger!
Continuing to Learn
Keep Learning After High School
Your learning journey doesn’t have to stop after high school! You can go to college, a trade school, or a job training program. You could also join the military, do an internship, or learn through an apprenticeship. There are so many exciting choices!
The more school or training you complete, the better your chances are of getting a great job and earning more money. This is a big opportunity for anyone–including YOU!
School after high school is different. If you have a disability, you’ll need to know your rights and speak up for the help you need. Your family, teachers, and friends can support you as you learn to advocate for yourself.
To be ready, make a plan! Think about what you love to do, what you’re good at, and what kind of support will help you succeed. Your future is bright! Start exploring your options today.
College
Attending college as a student with a disability is possible with the right support, resources, and confidence in your abilities. Many colleges offer programs and services that help students build independence, learn new skills, and reach their goals.
Career Tech
Attending a career tech or trade school as a student with a disability is a great way to learn hands‑on skills for real jobs. With the right support, students can train, build confidence, and prepare for a strong career.
Job Training
Doing an internship or on‑the‑job training after high school can help students with disabilities build real work skills. It’s a great way to gain experience, grow confidence, and get ready for a future career.
Military
Joining the military can be challenging for students with disabilities because each branch has strict health and physical requirements. However, some students may qualify for certain roles or supports, depending on their individual abilities and the military’s guidelines.
Explore Your Future From Anywhere
Hey everyone! Ready to see what’s next after high school? Virtual campus tours let you check out all sorts of schools—from universities to community colleges and career tech centers—without even leaving your couch.
Curious about options in Oklahoma? Head to OK College Start Virtual Tours and start exploring. It’s a quick, easy way to see what your future could look like!
Inclusive Postsecondary Education Day
Oklahoma celebrated Inclusive Postsecondary Education Day on May 1, as declared by the governor. Inclusive Postsecondary Education Day, is a day IPSE programs across the nation raise awareness and spread the word about postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disability.
What Is Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE)?
Inclusive postsecondary education, or IPSE, means college programs where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn and take part in campus life together.
IPSE programs help students with intellectual disabilities:
- Keep learning after high school, just like their friends and siblings
- Go to college even if they did not get a standard high school diploma
- Attend college without needing certain test scores
- Apply for financial aid if they qualify
- Build skills that make it more likely to get a competitive job after college
Want to learn more?
There are simple handouts and a great video on the “Think Higher. Think College.” website that explain IPSE in an easy way.
Getting a Job
Get Help Preparing for Your Future Job
If you have a disability the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Transition program can help you get ready for a job after high school! They have special programs to teach you job skills and prepare you for work. You might even be able to earn a paycheck!
Specially trained vocational counselors can help you find the right path. Whether you need Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) or Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI), they’ll make sure you have the support you need.
DRS Transition - Dream Big
Watch this video, visit the DRS Transition website, and ask a support person to help you apply for services!
Living My Best Life
Getting Ready to Live Your Best Life
Growing up and becoming an adult means learning how to do things on your own so you can live your best life. One day, you might have your own place, a job you love, and time to hang out with friends in your community. Maybe you even want to give back and help others. Everyone’s future looks different, and that’s okay!
Being independent means learning important skills like cooking, handling money, keeping things clean, getting from place to place, taking care of your health, and making friends. These things take time to learn, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Your family and teachers can support you in making a plan, learning new skills, and exploring your options for where and how you want to live. They’ll help you practice important skills in real places–like at work, home, school, and stores–so you’re ready for the future.
Becoming an adult is exciting, but it can also bring questions and challenges. If you ever feel stuck, don’t worry– there are people and resources to help you along the way.
Explore the resources on this page and start planning for your future today!
Finding Joy in Being Yourself
Living your best life doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means getting to know who you are and being proud of it. When you use your strengths and share what makes you unique, you can grow, help others, and feel more confident. Now, meet Samuel Henderson from Choctaw, Oklahoma—an eleven‑year‑old who can mimic more than 50 bird sounds. Watch the video below to see his amazing talent in action.
Healthcare Transition
Check out this quick video to learn what really changes when you start taking care of your own health. It’s easier than you think. Want simple tips and tools to help you get ready for adult healthcare? Visit GotTransition.org and start learning how to take charge of your health today!