Smart Steps: Decision Making and Self Advocacy

Practice making decisions using practical, everyday situations using the Smart Steps Mobile app (a free download from the App Store or Google Playstore). It includes practicing self-advocacy and pragmatic language skills through role-playing.

This lesson plan includes:

• Introduction: Making Decisions and the Smart Steps Mobile app through a) two explainer cartoons, b) a class discussion of problems and typical responses, and c) diagrams of all of the app's features: Read-aloud button, Profile Screen, Map Button, Help Button, Contacts, Success Screen, Prompt to Call for Help, Tips and Practical Suggestions, Social Scripting, Send Feedback.
• Lesson 1: Download the free app and create a free account.
• Lesson 2: Practice making choices by selecting a decision tree and working through until reaching either a Success Screen or a Call for Help prompt. At school, students would then ask for help from a peer partner or staff. They can later use the app in real life and call one of their own contacts at this point.
• Lesson 3: Practice self-advocacy with a partner: a) Use social scripts provided in the app; b) Use the Help button; and c) Use the My Profile screen.
• Lesson 4: Practice using the map button.