VCU RRTC

Over the years, self-determination and choice have become important aspects of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and other disability support areas.  This webcast will give a brief history of self-determination, then focus on self-determination’s  important role in workplace support and employment issues.  In looking towards the future, strategies will be given to determine personal preferences to support career decision making, goal setting, work-place problem solving, self-advocacy and leadership.

 Dr. Wehmeyer has directed federally funded projects totaling in excess of $27 million conducting research and model development pertaining to the education and support of youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is the author or co-author of more than 295 peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters and has authored, co-authored, edited, or co-edited 32 books on disability and education related issues, including issues pertaining to self-determination, positive psychology and disability, transition to adulthood, the education and inclusion of students with severe disabilities, and technology use by people with cognitive disabilities.

Dr. Michael Ward currently coordinates the Transition Special Education Distance Education Certificate Program at George Washington University.  Prior to this, he was a Research Associate with the HEATH Resource Center on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities and developed several resource documents for students with intellectual disabilities. Prior to this, Dr. Ward was the Executive Director of the Arizona Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Director of the National Center for Self-Determination and 21st Century Leadership at the Oregon Health and Sciences University.