Keys To Incorporating ‘Self-Determination’ Into Your Services

The concept of "self-determination" (sometimes referred to as self-direction) in the intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) field has been around for a while. However, with the growing focus on consumerism in the health and human service field, incorporating this concept into services for consumers with disabilities is receiving new attention. What exactly is self-determination? The concept is that consumers are "entitled to opportunities, respectful support, and the authority to exert control in their lives, to direct their services, and to act on their own behalf" (see Self-Determination and Self-Determination: Principles For Evaluating Your System).

In . . .