DIRECT Center for Independence Programs

Home Accessibility Program | Arizona Freedom to Work Program | Community Outreach Program | Independent Living Skills Program | Information and Referral Program | Peer Counseling Services | This Is My Life| Personal Care Assistance Program | Personal Assistance Services

This Is My Life (formerly Peer Mentoring)
Shannon Bergman
Voice/TDD: 520-624-6452 or 1-800-342-1853

This Is My Life program DIRECT Center for Independence, Inc. has partnered with the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) since 1997 to provide the This Is My Life program, formerly a Robert Woods Johnson grant project to promote the self-determination and self advocacy skills of individuals with developmental disabilities. The This Is My Life Self Determination Coach provides one-on-one and group training sessions for persons with developmental disabilities interested in learning self-determination and self-advocacy skills to improve their control over their lives and services, while learning to be effective change agents.

Training is offered in the following modules:
Orientation
Self-Determination Modules (Self-Determination – What Is it?, DDD and You- Who Does What?, How to Manage Your Life, Person-Directed and Person Centered Plans, Basic Problem Solving Skills, Taking Control of Your Dollars)
Self-Advocacy Modules (Self-Advocacy Skills-Level I, Self-Advocacy In Action- Level II, Self-Advocacy In Action Level III, Relationships, Emotions, and Self-Esteem, Communication Skills, Your Rights and Responsibilities)

If you have questions about the This Is My Life program, or would like to sign up, please contact the Self-Determination Coach at 520-624-6452.

Articles on Self-Determination:

The Four Principles
Emerging Best Practice in Self-Determination