Self-determination

In the disability community, self-determination refers to individuals with disabilities, including persons with intellectual disabilities, having the same right to self-determination as all people, that is, to have the freedom, authority, and support to exercise control over their lives.

Resources:

• Services and Programs
• Links and Resources
• News

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Services and Programs

• ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp
  A weeklong residential camp where campers participate in a songwriting workshop, recording session, songwriter's night and a live performance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
• Next Steps at Vanderbilt University - Postsecondary Education for People with Intellectual Disabilities
  Education, social skills, and vocational training program for students with intellectual disabilities. Next Steps at Vanderbilt provides educational experiences for students beyond high school and awards 2-year certification at graduation.
• Research Family Partners
  Research Family Partners is a program that helps families connect with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center research studies in which they may be interested in taking part.
• SibSaturday Day Camp Program
  A family-centered resource and support program for siblings of children with special needs.

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Links and Resources

• Special Olympics
  Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.
• Tennessee Allies in Self-Advocacy (TASA)
  TASA provides a forum for members to discuss the strengths and challenges that individuals with disabilities experience in becoming self‐advocates in an effort to create better access to the resources and support they need to become self-advocates.

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In the News

• Vanderbilt Kennedy Center: Vanderbilt Will Offer First Postsecondary Education Opportunity in Tennessee for Students With Intellectual Disabilities

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