Collaboration - Empowerment - Capacity-building


Welcome to the RAISE e-news letter, designed to identify and share resources that the Rehabilitation Services Administration Parent Training and Information Centers (RSA-PTI) can use and share with families.

Executive Editor: Peg Kinsell

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In This Issue
 
About RAISE

RAISE, the National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Advocacy and Employment is a user-centered technical assistance center that understands the needs and assets of the RSA-PTIs, coordinates efforts with the TA provided by PTI centers and involves RSA-PTIs as key advisors and partners in all product and service development and delivery.

RAISE is funded by the US Department of Education to provide technical assistance to, and coordination of, the 7 state-level PTI centers (RSA-PTIs). It represents collaboration between SPAN, the Native American Parent Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and the six Regional PTACs.

Find your Parent Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

Mind Over Matter...

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss

RESOURCES:
ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness & Self-Advocacy

"ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness & Self-Advocacy," helps educators teach students with disabilities critical transition skills.  Designed by leaders at the University of Oklahoma, the guide includes 23 lessons plans to help students learn their rights, improve communication skills, and advocate for themselves in high school, on the job, and in postsecondary education. Each lesson plan includes objectives, materials, lesson openings, procedures, closures, and student evaluations. 
 
 Click here to read the "ME" lessons now >> 
PERSPECTIVE:
Christopher     

Meet Christopher and learn about his perspective on self-advocacy.  His advice:  "Do you want the problem solved now, or in a few days? You should not be shy.... Just go tell someone."
MAKING YOUR POINT:  
Positive Self Talk   

Sometimes, the person who REALLY needs to listen to you is YOU. That voice inside your head has a huge impact on how you live your life.

The positive psychology movement is showing that 'self talk' - that is, thoughts and words we say to ourselves about ourselves - can actually begin to 're-wire' our brains. Why not make that 'self-talk' positive?

Most people focus on what they want less of (I want less stress, anxiety, tension, rejection...) but the shift comes in naming what we do want (I want more calm, ease, courage, happiness...). It takes practice, and might seem ridiculous at first, but it works! Here is how to get started:

Step 1) Learn to catch yourself when you have negative thoughts and internal "chatter" about yourself (i.e., "I can't do that." "I'm not good enough." "That is too hard for me."  "I always forget things." "I am so slow.")

Step 2) When "negative self talk" happens, simply remind yourself to switch on "positive self-talk." Here are a few things you can say to yourself:
  • I am capable.
  • I can be happy even when things don't go as planned.
  • I am confident.
  • With time and effort, I can achieve great things.
  • I love challenges and learn when I overcome them.
  • Each step is taking me closer to where I want to be.
  • I learn from the mistakes I make.
Step 3) Try adding opportunities for positive thinking by putting reminders where you need them most:  a post-it note on the bathroom mirror, or on your computer screen; a note tucked inside your wallet, or a reminder on your cell phone.
TOOLS THAT WORK:
Is that Job Site a Good Match?
 
When it comes to employment for those with autism, a good fit goes both ways. These two easy-to-use assessments were created to help evaluate BOTH the appropriateness of a potential work/volunteer opportunity, and the employment setting itself.  Designed to be used in conjunction with each other, these assessment tools were developed by Alpine Learning Group.

A CLOSER LOOK:    
Promoting Employment and Economic Advancement

We love the new tool kit produced by the American Job Center (AJC) and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) called "Promoting Employment and Economic Advancement: A Toolkit for CILs and AJCs." It includes checklists, guides, and fact sheets to maximize the talents and skills of both agencies, and create a win-win-win for CILs, AJCs, and job seekers with disabilities.