Module 3: Quality of Life as a Context for Developing Meaningful Education Programs

Choice

Choice is defined as the experience of autonomy in everything from small everyday matters to larger decisions that may define your student’s life.

Your student must be actively involved in all areas of choice making in their lives, from books they like to read, what clothing they like to wear, to choices about where they want to live, work, and go to school.

Choice:

  • Experience of autonomy in everything from small everyday matters to larger decisions that can define the student’s life
  • Opportunities for choice must be of value to the student and must be honoured
  • Intentional commitment to choice gives students some control in their lives

Why Providing Opportunities for Choice Matters

Students with complex needs have very limited power or control in their lives. A student gains power and control when you teach them how to make choices using strategies that employ their methods of communication such as eye gaze, gestures, and pointing. Successful choice making starts with educators and allied professionals believing that students with complex needs can make choices.

How to facilitate successful choice making:

  • Know your students and their interests, so the choices you offer are meaningful to them
  • Start small (such as accepting or rejecting a choice) and build up as the student succeeds
  • Look for ways to expand the range of student choices
  • Make sure the student’s choice is honoured
  • Repetition is key. Support the student with repetition and consistency

An intentional commitment on your part to provide opportunities for choice will give students some power and control in their lives. The autonomy to make choices is a basic human right and contributes to the current and future quality of life for any individual.

Think of a time when you were offered a choice that was not meaningful to you? How did you feel? Did the person offering the choice know you well? What would have made a difference to you? How would you feel if you were offered a meaningful choice?