Using a Computer-Based Strategy to Teach Self-Advocacy Skills to Middle School Students With Disabilities

Abstract

We examined the effects of a computer-based strategy to develop self-advocacy skills for 15 middle school students with mild and moderate disabilities. A pre- and posttest experimental design with random assignment to treatment and wait-list control groups was employed to investigate changes in student participation and level of self-determination. The strategy addressed essential self-advocacy skills including knowledge of self and communication. Results showed significant differences in favor of the treatment group concerning student participation, as measured by student responses to the Self-Advocacy Self-Report. Generalization data indicated positive results for student participation, as measured by student use of SHARE behaviors, a set of social skills necessary for effective communication, in informal meetings with special education teachers. Implications for practice, limitations, and future research are discussed.