iQuest (Independence Quest)
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?
iQuest is short for independence quest—a practical and dynamic tool designed to help users identify and practice skills that lead to real-life independence at home and school. The iQuest engages users on a motivating and interactive journey, growing and practicing key skills while engaging with personalized content that reflects their interests and goals. Self-advocates, families, and school teams can tailor the experience by adding personal photos and text, making every step meaningful and user-centered as they move toward independence. iQuest encourages collaboration between school teams and families while keeping the learner at the center of the process.
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
- Implementing the iQuest
- iQuest FAQ
- Example iQuest: 10th grader
- Example iQuest: 3rd grader
- Sample Independence Goals for Lower Elementary through Post-Secondary Levels
- iQuest Certificate
- School Independence Goal Ideas
- Home Independence Goal Ideas
- Task Analysis Webinar
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 ([email protected]) before filling out the form.