Philosophy & Values Self-Determination 1-8-13 PHILOSOPHY & VALUES SELF DETERMINATION Self-Determination Being self-determined involves choosing and setting goals, being involved in making life decisions, self-advocating, and working to reach goals. Self-determination refers to a characteristic of a person that leads them to make choices and decisions based on their own preferences and interests, to monitor and regulate their own actions, and to be goal-oriented and self-directing. A person acting in a self-determined way has a voice in the decisions that affect them and is causing things to happen in his or her own life. A frequent misinterpretation of self-determination is that it simply means “doing it yourself.” For people who may have significant disabilities, this can be problematic. The ability to perform specific behaviors is secondary in importance to being the causal agent. So while a person may not be able to solve a difficult life problem without support, with appropriate support that person is enabled to act as a causal agent in the decision-making process and therefore is more The more supports (e.g. friendships and community connections) that are available to people with DD, the more likely it is that they will have the necessary resources to cause things to happen in their lives. One way to be self-determined is through self-advocacy activities. Advocating for oneself is an excellent demonstration of self-determined action. DD Act Self-Determined Actions Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act) was created to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to, needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs authorized under the law. The DD Act ensures that an individual, with assistance: has the ability and opportunity to make choices and decisions; has the ability and opportunity to exercise control over services, supports, and other assistance; has the authority to control resources and obtain needed services; has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their communities; has the support, including financial, to advocate, develop leadership skills, become trained as a self-advocate, and participate in coalitions and policy-making.
Because self-determination is a learned characteristic, you, as a support coordinator, have the ability to make a significant change in people’s lives. You can develop within others a growing awareness of self-determination. Many times an individual simply needs someone to believe in their ability to make choices and to create opportunities for them to increase their and strengthen their voice. Promoting Self-Determination Requires a Shifting Pattern There is a commitment to help individuals determine their future, respect their wishes, and plan to help them reach their goals. From the individuals’ perspective the pattern shift would look like this: From To Professionals planning for you You and your ‘Circle of Supports’ planning for your supports Counting on a paid professional who is only temporarily part of your life Reliance on the lifelong commitment of people you have chosen to be in your life, including your family, friends and other natural supports A view that only professionals can be responsible Respect for the fact that you, your family, and your friends have a vested interest in acting responsibly on your behalf Support Coordination as a means to let people into existing services Individualized support planning as a way for you, your family, and your friends to organize supports in response to your needs and dreams The belief that quality is created by relying on regulations, oversight and monitoring The belief that true quality is created by enhancing your circle of supports and connecting you to your community Interested in learning about self-determination in greater depth: National Gateway to Self-Determination Missouri Self-Determination Association Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities