Individuals with disabilities have the right to make choices for themselves and for those choices to be honored, but what if it is hard for us to understand what those choices, likes, and dislikes are because of complex communication needs? How do we begin teaching and honoring self determination at a young age? This episodes explores 3 strategies:  Verbal Referencing Separating what is important to the individual from what is important for the individual Reframing likes into social rolls Links to items mentioned in the show are at https://www.lomah.org/podcastseason3/89 About the Guest: Erin Sheldon is mom to Maggie, a 16 year old with severe disabilities. Erin earned her master's degree studying how to support our students with complex needs in the regular classroom. She is CEO of Ontario's parent association for school inclusion (www.inclusionontario.ca). She also works for the assistive technology company, AssistiveWare. Erin has authored articles, book chapters, manuals, online professional learning modules, and more. Related Episodes: Transition Series - Episodes 86 - 97 Episode 77 : Your Body Your Boundaries Episode 50: Keeping AAC Person Centered Episode 49: Self Determination with Complex Communication Needs Episode 48: Augmentative and Alternative Communication ***Follow Kim on instagram @journey2lomah for an in depth and behind the scenes look at their journey***