Let's Celebrate 20 years of Determination.

Come explore the stories that shaped us—and share a piece of your own along the way.
20th Anniversary

Building Support for Self-Determination

There are many ways you can play a role in a young person’s journey to self-determination. Whether you’re at school, at home, at work, or in the community, I’m Determined provides tools for every aspect of life, at any age.

Tools for Educators

Find ways to support your students, adapt lesson plans, and connect with the self-determination community.
Read more about Tools for Educators
Cartoon astronaut holding a large pencil and drawing a dark line.

Tools for Families

Learn about how you can play a vital role in your loved one’s lives by providing support that works for them.
Read more about Tools for Families
One larger cartoon astronaut holding the hand of a smaller cartoon astronaut walking alongside eachother.

Reach out to Collaborate with our team!

Need help finding something on our site? Thinking about using one of the I’m Determined tools but don’t know where to start? Reach out! Our team is ready to support you!
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Explore More Tools

Poster: Understand the Elements of I’m Determined

Understand the skills, abilities, and beliefs that contribute to self-determination.
Read more about Poster: Understand the Elements of I’m Determined
Elements of I'm Determined - grid of 9 colorful blocks with elements listed inside with definitions. The 9 elements and definitions are: Choice Making - The skill of selecting a path forward between two known options. Decision Making - The skill of selecting a path forward based on various solutions that have each been thoughtfully considered. Problem Solving - The skill of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Goal Setting & Attainment - The ability to develop a goal, plan for implementation, and measure success. Self-Regulation - The ability to monitor and control one's own behaviors, actions, and skills in various situations. Self-Advocacy - The skills necessary to speak up and/or defend a cause or a person. Internal Locus of Control - The belief that one has control over the outcomes that are important to his or her own life. Self-Efficacy - Belief in one's own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish specific tasks. Self-Awareness - Basic understanding of one's own strengths, needs, and abilities.

Use the Goal Plan to Set and Attain Goals

The Goal Plan is a simple tool to help youth set and attain goals. Download a fillable PDF and instructions on how to use the Goal Plan.
Read more about Use the Goal Plan to Set and Attain Goals
4 column worksheet with headings My Goal (in yellow), Outcomes (in teal), Next Steps (in red), and People Who Can Support (in purple)

Student Rubric for IEP Participation

This rubric helps students determine their current level of participation in their IEP process, and plan for the next level.
Read more about Student Rubric for IEP Participation
Thumbnail image of the Student Rubric for IEP Participation

Meet a State Youth Leader

I’m Determined State Youth Leaders are a diverse, energetic, creative, and passionate group of young adults.
Get to know us

I became more and more independent in my studies and taking care of myself through practicing self-determination, as shown as how I no longer need help from my mom to do my work when I started high school, and as I head to college, I can manage living miles away from our house.

– Albert, Youth Leader, Central Region

When practicing self-advocacy, I use different strategies. I sometimes practice the desired conversation with my parents and/or sister beforehand to ensure that I communicate what I want clearly. I also sometimes jot down the key points I want to communicate in the conversation.

– Giancarlo, Youth Leader, Coastal Region

I think my self-regulation skills and just how I self-regulate in general are different from when I was younger. Sometimes when my anxiety is in overdrive, I need someone to come in and assist me. However, at other times, fidgeting and asking questions about what is unknown in the situation can help me calm myself down.

– Gina, Youth Leader, NOVA Region

What’s New

Elemental and Pulling Threads films now available!

Over the past 5 years, the I’m Determined Center worked to develop video case studies that would help people understand what the I’m Determined Elements might look like in real life. We’re proud of these films and are so excited to provide access to you!
Check out the films! Go to Page

Empowering youth with skills and opportunities to succeed in school, personal lives, and beyond.

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