It is necessary for individuals with disabilities and their families to explore and identify their own preferences, needs, values, abilities, capacities and desire for self-direction and their own vision of quality of life before they can truly exercise choice. Individuals with disabilities and family members acting on behalf of relatives with disabilities must possess good problem solving and communication skills in order to exercise self-determination.
Families are a crucial component in the movement toward self-determination.
It is important to recognize and accommodate cultural diversity in creating programs and resources for people with disabilities and their families. This includes acknowledging that different cultures place differing value and importance on the concept of self-determination. Programs and supports for persons with disabilities need to be highly individualized in order to accommodate their distinct needs, preferences, and capabilities for self-determination. There is a great need for affordable and accessible housing and transportation, as well as meaningful work and other activities for people with disabilities. Persons with severe cognitive disabilities have often been left out of the movement toward increased self-determination, consumer direction and control.