The TAKE CHARGE for the Future curriculum and training, modified by Beyond Project TEAMS, is a multi-component approach to promote the self-determination of transition age youth with developmental disabilities. Self-determination is the ability of individuals to make decisions and achieve self-defined goals. The TAKE CHARGE training uses three (3) major component strategies:

Training for Youth

An interactive student guide and six-week training encourages youth to explore their futures. Throughout the training, youth develop skills such as self-advocacy, problem solving, envisioning their future, setting short and long term goals, asking for support when needed, and most importantly, believing in themselves as they prepare to TAKE CHARGE of their futures. Youth learn these skills in the context of selecting and working toward their personally valued goals for school, community living, employment, and/or social life. Youth also learn self-regulation skills and ways to build relationships with people who can support them.

Trainers are individuals who are able to inspire, support and challenge youth to TAKE CHARGE to work toward their goals. Trainers recognize youth as the decision makers for their lives. Trainers provide youth with skill development training, information to make choices, and opportunities to practice their new skills.

TAKE CHARGE encourages youth to talk and share experiences with supporters who have similar interests, challenges, and/or life experiences. Supporters may include parents, family members, teachers, coaches, and peers. During the training, youth identify potential supporters and learn how to build effective partnerships with them. Youth have an opportunity to invite supporters to the Goal Sharing Meeting, which is part of the training, to share their dreams and goals for the future and to ask for support. Youth are also encouraged to speak with their supporters on an individual ongoing basis.

Resources for Parents, Family Members and other Supporters

Information and resources are provided to parents, family members, and other supporters of youth in person and through www.projectTEAMS.org. At the start of each TAKE CHARGE training, a Family Orientation is held to provide an explanation of the TAKE CHARGE for the FUTURE training, educational and community resources, and ways parents, family members, and other supporters might promote their youth's self-determination skills. The Beyond Project TEAMS website, www.projectTEAMS.org, offers an abundance of information and resources on self-determination, career development, and transition planning. The website is updated frequently and will be maintained indefinitely.