Self Direction

People with disabilities should have the freedom to plan their own lives and pursue the things that are important to them, with the support of family, friends, case managers and providers. This philosophy is known as Self Determination. Self Direction is a way to make Self Determination a reality. 

Self Direction is a different way of supporting people with disabilities. It makes the voice of the person with a disability the most important one to listen to and to respect when that person is making choices about his or her life.

The choices a person makes are often based on the things that are most important to him or her, such as dreams for a happy life filled with friends and family, and doing things that matter. Dreams are the starting place for planning supports and services that work for each individual as a one of a kind person.

Self Direction gives a person with a disability more control in planning for and living his or her own life. This can be hard work because more control means more responsibility. A person is responsible when he or she makes good decisions that keep him or her happy, healthy and safe. This may take the help of family and friends.

Self Determination

What is Self Determination?

• Freedom - The right to make choices.
  
  
• Authority - The right to decide how to spend money.
  
  
• Support - The right to choose the people you want to help you.
  
  
• Responsibility - The need to do things the right way.
  
  
• Confirmation - The need for people to listen to you about what you want in your life.
  
  
• Freedom to live a meaningful life in the community. All people should be able to choose the things they need and want for their lives.
  
  
• Authority over dollars needed for support. All people should have the power to say where and how dollars are spent on their behalf.
  
  
• Support to organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and meaningful.
  
  
• Responsibility for the wise use of public dollars. All people have something to offer to others and diversity makes for a better community.
  
  
• Confirmation of the importance of the leadership of self-advocates. People with disabilities and their families can be the leaders in this new way of thinking as they advocate for themselves and others.