When a student understands their unique learning profile, they stop being a passive participant in their education and start becoming the pilot. While TAC 89.1055 mandates that we address self-determination by age 14, the foundation for that independence begins much earlier. This session explores the "how" and "when" of disability awareness, examining how self-knowledge directly impacts academic performance and lifelong decision-making. We will provide frameworks for teaching goal-setting, self-evaluation, and informed choice, ensuring our students don’t just have a seat at the table—they have a voice.