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Trainings on Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

At ABIL, we believe self-determination and self-advocacy skills for people with developmental disabilities is very important.  The This is My Life (TIML) program encourages and teaches adults receiving services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (i.e. people who have Cerebral Palsy, a Cognitive Disability, Autism, or Epilepsy) to speak up so they can make more life choices and choose the direction of their own lives.  The TIML program is free amd is grant funded by the Arizona Department of Economic Seccurity. Division of Developmental Disabilities (DES/DDD) and is for adults receiving DDD services.

Trainings on Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy Skills
Ten classes to teach skills that increase your knowledge to be a good change agent in your life. Individual or group classes available.

Self-Determination Classes

Self-determination is speaking up for yourself in order to make decisions and choices about your every day life, such as where you receive SERVICES & SUPPORTS, and where you live, work, and play..
  • Self-Determination- What is it? - learn about the five parts of self-determination (freedom, authority, support, responsibility and self-advocacy), and why it is important that you are the person making choices about your life.
  • DDD and You - Who Does What? - what it means to receive services through DDD and what your role is.
  • Consumer Directed - Managing Your DDD Services - see what DDD has in store for you. Consumer directed services would give you more control and choices in the delivery of your DDD service providers and state money.
  • Person Directed and Person-Centered Plans - reviewing DDD services and consumer rights, and the importance of choosing your planning team members.
  • Goal Planning and Basic Problem Solving Skills - create a plan to reach a goal and create steps to solve a problem of your choice.

Self-Advocacy Classes

Self-advocacy is asking for the things you want and taking action to achieve your goals.

  • Self-Advocacy Skills - learn the skills to speak up! Then learn how to go out and advocate for yourself and others.
  • Self-Advocates in Action (Level 2) - are you already a good self-advocate?  Learn how to strengthen your skills & find ways to get involved.
  • Relationships, Feelings and Confidence - learn how to choose, start, and maintain current and new relationships, and boost your self-esteem.
  • Saying What You Mean - learn ways to get your point across & have people listen to you better. Finding your style of communication - The importance of words & tone when you speak.
  • Your Rights and Responsibilities - learn your rights and responsibilities as a citizen and as a DDD consumer.

How Do I Get Started?

Ask your DDD Support Coordinator for a referral to the “This is My Life” Program or contact…

Lynn Black
This is My Life Program Manager
Phone:  602-443-0729

Read the This Is My Life Program Brochure