Nationwide Definitions
of Self-Determination
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
(SABE, the national self-advocacy orginization), 1996
Self-Determination is: Speaking up for our rights and responsibilities and empowering
ourselves to stand up for what we believe in. This means being
able to choose where we work, live, and our friends; to educate
ourselves and others; to work as a team to obtain common goal;
and to develop the skills that enable us to fight for our
beliefs, to advocate for our needs, and to obtain the level
of independence that we desire.
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The Center On Self-Determination
- Oregon Health & Science University
Self-Determination is: The ability of individuals to control their lives, to
achieve self-defined goals and to participate fully in society.
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People First of Georgia, Inc.:
Self-Determinaton is a systems change movement that allows
people with disabilities to determine their own lives through
the control of money and resources, with support from people
they choose. The systems changes movement involves the following
four principles:
* Freedom - to plan a real
life
* Authority - to control a targeted amount of money and resources
* Support - from friends, family, community members and service providers (people we choose) for building a life in our community
* Responsibility - to make good decisions
and give back to the community |
The National Program Office on Self-Determination expands the definition of the founding principles:
FREEDOM is the exercise of the same rights
as all citizens. People with disabilities with assistance
when necessary will establish where they want to live, with
whom they want to live and how their time will be occupied.
They do not have to trade their inalienable rights guaranteed
under the Constitution for supports or services.
AUTHORITY is the control over whatever sums
of money are needed for one's own support, including the re-prioritizing
of these dollars when necessary. This is accomplished through
the development of an individual budget that "moves" with
the person.
SUPPORT is the organization of these resources
as determined by the person with a disability. This means
that individuals do not receive "supervision" and "staffing."
Rather, folks with disabilities may seek companionship for
support and contract for any number of discrete tasks for
which they need assistance.
RESPONSIBILITY is the wise use of public dollars.
Dollars are now being used as an investment in a person's
life and not handled as resources to purchase services or
slots. Responsibility includes the ordinary obligations of
American citizens and allows individuals to contribute to
their communities in meaningful ways. |
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