“Education’s ultimate goal is to promote self-determination,” said Michael Wehmeyer, Ph.D., during his speech Thursday in the Buzzard Auditorium.

Wehmeyer, an associate research professor for the University of Kansas and director of self-determination projects at the Beach Center on Families and Disabilities, a U.S. Department of Education funded Research and Training Center, spoke to students about the importance of teaching self-determination to special education students.

His speech spelled out the fact that it is vital to gain respect and dignity.

“Self-determination is enabling people to take control of their own lives and their own destinies.”

He quoted Nobel and Pulitzer prize winning author Pearl Buck when he said, “None who have always been free can understand the terrible, fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free.”

Wehmeyer said teachers need to get special education students involved in their own educational planning.

“People can not put standards on self-determination, limiting it to certain students because the ability is in everyone individually,” Wehmeyer said.

“Teachers and future educators need to be role models in their students lives, as well as introduce them to special education students who can become their role models in the adult community,” he said. “One of the most important things a special educator can attend to is instilling self-determination in your students.”

He also is in the process of trying to raise standards for special education students and students with disabilities, so their full potential is not being overlooked. Special educators should always be a driving force in the lives of their students and not just leave their success to chance, he said. By believing in their students and themselves, special educators cannot only watch their students succeed, but they can feel pride for themselves as well.

Audience members gained some knowledge after listening to the speech.

“He really drove home the concepts of what our future teachers really need to know about self-determination, whether it be in the classroom or the curriculum,” said Billie Friedland, assistant professor of special education.

Geralyn Mikrut, a senior special education major, said she found the presentation inspiring.

Zuica Donev, president of the Student Council for Exceptional Children Executive Board said, “He really showed how important the concept of self-determination is in the community.”