Exceptional humans living self-determined lives

Quite simply, being self-determined means making things happen in a person’s own life, instead  of having others do things to, or for them. People who are self-determined know what they want  and how to get it. They choose and set goals, then work to reach them. They advocate on their  own behalf, and are involved in solving problems and making decisions about their lives. They  don’t have to do everything for themselves, but instead, they make or cause things to happen in  their lives that improve the quality of their lives. 

The Developmental Disabilities Act describes “self-determination activities” as “activities that  result in individuals with developmental disabilities, with appropriate assistance, having: the  ability and opportunity to communicate and make personal decisions; the ability and opportunity to communicate choices and exercise control over the type and intensity of services, supports,  and other assistance the individual receives; the authority to control resources to obtain needed  services, supports, and other assistance; opportunities to participate in, and contribute to their  communities; and support, including financial support, to advocate for themselves and others, to  develop leadership skills, through training in self-advocacy, to participate in coalitions, to  educate policymakers, and to play a role in the development of public policies that affect  individuals with developmental disabilities.” 

Self-Determination and Community Inclusion 

Too often, people with disabilities have too few choices about where and  with whom they live. Being more self-determined enables people to have  more of a voice in living in their own communities. Here is what people had  to say about it. 

Self-Determination and Real Jobs 

Research shows that people who are more self-determined have higher  rates of employment and earn more money, as well as having better  benefits, like vacation, sick leave, and health care. Hearing from people with disabilities about their jobs is one way to visualize self-determination in  action in the world of work. 

Self-Determination and Social Inclusion 

Self-determination means making things happen in your own life, instead of  others doing things for you. But perhaps the most important supports a  person can have to live a self-determined life are friends and family  members! As the song says, everybody gets by with a little help from their  friends. Whether doing something with friends or with oneself, knowing  what you like to do and getting out and doing it are important parts of a  better life. 

Self-Determination and Healthy Living 

Wellness and positive health outcomes for people with disabilities are  important to living a better quality life. Self-determined people make  choices about their behaviors and actions to care for their health and lead  healthy lifestyles. Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy People who are self-determined advocate for themselves and others. For  people with disabilities, being a self-advocate is very important to ensure  equal access and to battle discrimination. 

Credit:  A National Gateway to Self-Determination funded by the US Department of Health and  Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities