Whose Future Is It Anyway?

Whose Future Is It Anyway?
Introduction and Overview

Whose Future Is It Anyway? was developed by Michael Wehmeyer, Ph.D. form the University of Kansas. It is a is a transition planning process emphasizing peoples preferences, needs and interests. The curriculum provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to explore issues of self-awareness and acquire problem-solving, decision-making, goal-setting, and small- group communication skills. The outcome of this process is that individuals will learn how to be meaningfully involved in their transition planning process.

The developers believed that individuals who are involved in planning for their future will more likely be full participants in the planned activities resulting from that plan; 2) individuals of all abilities can learn the skills to be involved; and 3) individuals who believe that their voice will be heard will be more likely participate in the planning process and ongoing decisions.

The program was originally designed for students, but we believe the it is a great resource for all adults.

Part 1: Getting to know you: Your Planning Meeting

Choosing people to attend your IEP or ISP planning meeting

  • Who do you want at your meeting?
  • Why do you want them to attend the meeting?

Identify your abilities, preferences, and interests

  • What makes me unique? (Uniqueness)
  • What am I good at? (Abilities)
  • What do a really like to do? (Interests)
  • What do I hate to do?
  • What are my dreams?
  • Where will I work?
  • Where will live?
  • What will I do for fun in my free time?
Part 2: Making Decisions

Why is making decisions important?

Making better decisions leads to better results (and fewer problems). Better decisions might leave you with more options and flexibility. Decision making is not just about solving problems, its about taking more ownership and control of your life. When you make better decisions, it also means you’re learning from your mistakes.

What are examples of decisions you make everyday?

  • When you get up?
  • What you eat?
  • What you do?
  • What do you wear?

The Do It Process

  • D efine the problem
  • O utline your options
  • I dentify the outcomes
  • T ake action
  • ! Get excited!

Applying the DO IT! Decision-Making Process

  • You start out with making a choice.
  • You have to get information about options (choices).
  • You have to decide what would happen if you chose a particular option.
  • You have to get information about when it’s time to make your choice.
  • You choose the option.
Part 3: How to Get What You Need

How to Get What You Need and Want?

  • Take time to really think about what you you happy, your interests, and dreams
  • Make a decision to have what you want, even if you don’t know how to get it
  • Advocate for yourself
  • Be persistent and expect that it will happen
  • Talk to people who have what you want
  • Celebrate your success
  • Practice gratitude
  • Help others get what they want

What to do if you don’t know what you need or want?

One more way to figure out what you do want is by being clear about the things you don’t want. List the things that are most important to keep out of your life. Once you have your list, think about what is left.

Part 4: Goals, Objectives, and the Future

What is a Goal?

Goal something I set out/want to do/have; something I aim for/ do; something I work on to make it happen

Types of Goals

  • Short term: something you can do in a small amount of time: minutes, hours, days, weeks
  • Long term: something you can do that takes more time: weeks, months, years

What are Objectives?

Objectives are things I do/steps I take to reach my goal

Goals to Consider

  • Goals for School
  • Goals for Work
  • Goals for Living
  • Goals for Fun

Smart Goals

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound

Keeping Yourself Accountable to Your Goals

  • How are you going to keep track of the progress you make toward your goals?
  • Break down goals into smaller tasks
  • Share your goals with someone you trust and that will keep you accountable
  • Monitor your progress: check list, app,
  • Setup a reward system: Reward yourself on the milestones you accomplish along the way
  • Forgive Yourself if you stumble and get back on track as soon as possible
  • Plan your time
  • Review your goals often
Part 5: Communicating

What are some things to consider when trying to communicate well with others?

  • Be Prepared and keep your emotions in check
  • Listen – Really Listen
  • Target your message: Change your style and delivery based on who you are speaking to
  • Match your body language with what you say
  • Double check your messages: Spelling, grammar, intended message, emotion
  • Be brief and specific
  • Take notes
  • Determine the best way to communicate your thoughts: phone, email, text, privately or in a group, post on social media
  • Think before you speak or hit send: What would your grandma think?
  • Treat everyone equally and with respect
  • Maintain a positive attitude and smile

What is the difference between Assertive and Aggressive

  • Assertive means standing up for yourself; being confident; making sure your opinions are listened to
  • Aggressive means being hard to deal with; arguing; attacking other people

What is Persuasion?

  • Persuasion convince people that what you have to say is worth listening to and it might be better than other plans
Part 6: Taking a Leadership Role

What does Leadership it mean to you?

  • Leadership means a few different things to different people, but here are some common themes to consider
  • You bring others around you up
  • You are not afraid to roll up your sleeves every once in a while and do the work
  • You take ownership of something and see to it that it’s completed well
  • You help people find their “groove” and get there
  • You trust and respect those those you lead

What do good leaders do?

  • Coach, guide, teach, and inspire others
  • Lead by example
  • Make others feel safe to speak-up
  • Make decisions
  • Challenge people to be better
  • Hold themselves and other accountable
  • Provide feedback

How can you develop leadership skills?

  • Practice, practice, practice
  • Learn from watching and listening to leaders you respect
  • Watch, read and listen to leadership content
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses
  • Push yourself to take a leadership role

Planning and Holding Effective Meetings

  • Define the purpose: why the meeting being held
  • Define the Desired Outcome: What do you want to accomplish from the meeting
  • Pick the Day/Time: When where the meeting take place and for how long. Start and end on time
  • Follow-up: Making sure you do what you said you were going to do
Resources