The Principles of Self-Determination

Self-Determination is a process that is built upon these 5 principles:

• FREEDOM

  To decide how one wants to live their life.

• AUTHORITY

  Over a targeted amount of dollars.

• SUPPORT

  To organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and meaningful to the individual.

• RESPONSIBILITY

  For the wise use of public dollars and recognition of the contribution individuals with disabilities can make in their communities.

• CONFIRMATION

  Of the important role that self-advocates must play in a newly redesigned system.

The Budget

A person's budget allows them to:

• Find and get the support needed to lead a full and meaningful life

• Choose services

• Choose where and with whom they want to live

• Get involved in the community

• Choose their own Service Providers rather than having an agency do it- this allows them to evaluate and control the quality of the services