Self-determination is a desirable and critical outcome for students with-determination is particularly important in transition planning, since it is literally the launching process for the rest of the student's life.One barrier for students with cognitive disabilities achieving self-determination for transition planning has been difficulty dealing with print-based materials. Prior research has shown that limited reading, writing, and page-decoding abilities limit full utilization of otherwise effective student-centered programs.Phase I is to study the feasibility and technical merit of a CD-ROM based transition-planning programmer students with mental retardation and learning disabilities. Project foundations are innovative self-determination transition planning materials developed and validated by The Arc, and computer-based presentation methods developed and field-tested by A.U. Software for assessment of students with disabilities. The project is to produce an interactive, multimedia CD-ROM-based version of "Whose Future Is It Anyway, A Student-Directed Transition Planning Process," currently published by CEC in workbook form. In addition to providing a truly innovative self-determination tool for students to use transition planning, it will provide computer experience in a non-threatening environment. Empowerment from mastery of computer software can be critically important to the self-esteem of those facing the transition to adult living.Summary Of Anticipated Results And Implications:If both Phase I and Phase II are successful, a new, more efficient, and cost beneficial transition planning program that significantly enhances self-determination will be available for students with disabilities. Twill provide us with a methodology and technology tool that can be used in other contexts and with other materials for improving learning outcomes for these students.
