Self-Determination is a journey we all begin at birth. In the past, individuals with developmental disabilities have had little or no opportunity to have this experience in their lives. The people surrounding them have often been service providers or paid support staff, and not necessarily persons chosen by the individual with disabilities. Self-Determination means that these individuals will be able to experience this journey of discovery throughout their entire lives. All people have the right to take control over their own lives and future.
All people are capable of making the important decisions in their lives.
Self-Determination facilitates a person's ability to make these decisions. This control is the birthright and responsibility of each of us. The Self-Determination Project is dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities make the crucial decisions which define the quality of their lives. In the past, individuals with developmental disabilities had little or no opportunity to plan their own futures or realize their dreams. Self-Determination is the transfer of control over the lives and resources of individuals with developmental disabilities to these individuals themselves.