An Integrated Approach to Teaching Self-
Determination
Cary Saxton, M.A., cmiddlebush@gmail.com
As a fledgling TVI with very little special education experience,
much of my time has been spent deciphering acronyms: IEP, ETR,
IDEA, and of course, the ECC. The ECC (Expanded Core
Curriculum) is chock full of acronyms in its own right. Teaching at
the Ohio State School for the Blind, I immediately became familiar
with O&M (Orientation and Mobility) and DLS (Daily (or
Independent) Living Skills) as they were instructional staples built
right into our students' class schedules. When I finally saw a list of
the ECC written, I recognized most of them and was able to see
those skills reflected in the reality of my students' daily lives.
Yet I was caught extremely off guard as I glanced to the
bottom of the ECC and saw the phrase "self-determination" listed
ninth (of nine). It was like glancing down to the bottom of the U.S.
Constitution and seeing "freedom" written, much like an
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