Resource Center · For students
Your voice. Your choices. Your future.
This page is for you. You can read it yourself, with a friend, with your family or with a staff member. Every part is short. You can stop and come back later.
My voice
Your voice is the way you communicate.
Speaking. Signing. Pointing. Looking. Using a device. Using pictures. All of these are your voice.
If you use AAC, your device is your voice. It should be with you all day.
My choices
You can choose.
What to eat. What to wear. What to do at break. Who to sit with.
Some choices are big and take planning. You can ask for help to make a choice. It is still your choice.
My rights
You have rights at school and in your community.
When you turn 18, you are an adult under the law. There are different ways to get support with big decisions.
If something is wrong, tell someone you trust.
Self-advocacy
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself.
It can be: Yes. No. Help. Stop. More. I want. I do not like that. A break, please.
You can do it in any way you communicate. You do not need spoken words.
My IEP
Your IEP is the plan for your school year.
You can come to your IEP meeting. You can say what is working and what is not.
You can bring pictures, a device or a helper.
My strengths and goals
You are good at things. Name them.
A goal is something you want to get better at or something you want in your life.
Your team should ask you what your goals are.
Preparing for work and adult life
Work can be part of your future. So can college, training, your own home or a busy community life.
Try jobs at school. Notice what you like.
Life After AHM explains the next steps.
My body, my choices, my safety
Your body belongs to you.
You can say no. You can tell someone if something feels wrong.
Resources made for you
These are written for young people. Some are in plain language or Easy Read.
ASAN Resource Library
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s library of plain-language and Easy Read resources on self-advocacy, autism acceptance, community living, transition and rights. Written by disabled people.
Students can read many of these themselves.
Best for: Students
Topics: Self-advocacy, plain language, rights
ASAN: Roadmap to Transition
A handbook for young people with disabilities about moving into adult life, written for the young person to read.
A transition guide addressed to the student, not only to the parents.
Best for: Students
Topics: Transition, self-advocacy
CommunicationFIRST
A disability-led organization that advances the communication rights, autonomy and dignity of people who cannot rely on speech to be understood, including people who use AAC.
It gives families and students language for a simple truth: AAC is communication, and being understood is a right.
Best for: Students
Topics: Communication rights, AAC, autonomy
AHM note: it fits AHM’s belief that every voice matters.
Disability Rights NJ: Special Education Self-Advocacy Guide
A plain-language guide from New Jersey’s protection and advocacy organization on speaking up for your child in the special education process, updated in 2026.
It turns the law into steps you can actually take at a meeting.
Best for: Students
Topics: Rights, IEP, self-advocacy
NJ Transition Toolkit
The New Jersey Department of Education’s toolkit for students, families and professionals on planning the move from school to adult life.
It explains what should happen in the IEP from age 14 on, including Pre-Employment Transition Services.
Best for: Students
Topics: Transition planning, Pre-ETS, IEP
Planning for Adult Life
A statewide program funded by NJ DDD for young people ages 16 to 21 and their families: employment, postsecondary education, benefits, eligibility, legal and financial planning, health, housing, self-direction, relationships and community life.
It walks families through transition one topic at a time, with guides and webinars.
Best for: Students
Topics: Transition, employment, benefits, planning
Transition guides, including “It’s Time to Travel: A Roadmap to Transition”
AHM note: especially useful for families of students in L.I.F.T., especially in the last years before 21.
For students
Nothing about me without me.
You should be part of every plan about your life. Your team at AHM wants to hear from you, in any way you communicate.
Outside resources are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute an endorsement by A. Harry Moore Laboratory School or Kean University. Programs, services, eligibility requirements, funding and availability may change. Families should contact each organization directly and work with their school team or appropriate service coordinator when applicable.
Last reviewed: September 2026