iQuest (Independence Quest)
Welcome to the iQuest!
*Please note we use the words “child,” “student,” and “self-advocate” throughout our iQuest documents in acknowledgment that the iQuest resources may be used by families, school practitioners, and self-advocates.
What is the iQuest?
The name iQuest is short for independence quest. The purpose of the iQuest is to help users identify and practice skills that lead to independence. The tool is designed to engage users on a motivating journey toward real-life independence by including options for customization so self-advocates, families, and school teams can add pictures and text to illustrate the user’s personal interests and perspectives.
Using the iQuest starts with determining goals. Self-advocates may already have goals in mind or can explore the School Independence Goal Ideas and Home Independence Goal Ideas documents, which offer options in the areas of self-advocacy and self-determination, social, safety, health and sexuality, community, and general independence skills. Some self-advocates and younger individuals will benefit from adult guidance. Adults can offer options and allow the child to choose the goals they want to work toward. Encouraging child/student input promotes self-advocacy and furthers conversations about their hopes and dreams for the future and how iQuest goals connect to those aspirations.
Implementation
Use the Implementing the iQuest Guide to begin using the iQuest. There are three versions to choose from including full color Google Slides, a low-ink Google Slides option, and a 2 page iQuest summary.
The iQuest and Family Engagement
START developed the iQuest as a tool to support collaboration between families, school staff, and self-advocates. The iQuest embodies START’s Core Values for Family Engagement.
START Core Values for Family Engagement Statement:
Parents and families are children’s first teachers and, in many respects, their most influential role models and motivators. There is growing acknowledgment of the critical importance of Family Engagement in leading to positive educational outcomes for students and families. START's commitment to prioritizing and promoting intentional Family Engagement is centered around five Core Values.
- Families are central and critical to their child’s development and are essential members of their school teams.
- Effective communication and trusting relationships support the ability of families to access helping resources.
- Family diversity is valued; differences in culture, language, and family structure are recognized as strengths.
- Learning opportunities and supports are individualized, addressing student needs by embracing the skills, interests, and experiences of the student and family.
- Families and schools are partners in establishing high expectations that result in positive learning outcomes, and building a foundation and vision for the future.
“Meet them where they are, and show them where they can go” - Jana Benjamin, Parent of a Young Adult with ASD
Additional Resources
Passport Order Form
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START still has a supply of Passports. Orders up to 100 may be submitted through the Passport Order Form. If you are interested in more than 100 Passports or if you have any questions, please contact the START office before filling out the form.