Self Determination is:

  • deciding how you want to live your life
  • deciding what supports you want
  • deciding how you want to spend money through individual budgeting

Everyone can make choices, should have control and individual budgets.

Self Determination is based upon the Core Values of an Everyday Life:  choice, control, quality, stability, safety, individual relationships, freedom, success opportunities to contribute to the community, accountability, communication, mentoring and collaboration in your life. 

CHOICE
   Having the power to make decisions in all areas of life.
CONTROL
 Having the power or authority to influence and direct decisions in all aspects of the person's life.
QUALITY
 Having a life encompassing all core values of Everyday Lives so that the person has the life they choose.
COMMUNITY
INCLUSION
Opportunities to participate in their community and pursue interests and relationships that the person chooses.
STABILITY
 Changes in life are only made with the person's input and permission.
ACCOUNTABILITY
 Being held responsible for carrying out one's obligations, and responsibilities; people doing what they are assigned to do.
SAFETY
 Ensuring freedom from harm or danger in the person's everyday life without being over protective or restricting the person's supports / services.
INDIVIDUALITY
 The distinguishing character or qualities that make the person unique from everyone else.
RELATIONSHIPS
 A connection to community, a sense of belonging to family, and close associations with friends.
FREEDOM
 Having the liberty to do, say or think what one pleases without being under another's control.
SUCCESS
 Accomplishing or gaining something desired, intended or attempted that brings fulfillment and happiness to the person.
CONTRIBUTING TO
THE COMMUNITY
A sense of Fellowship, social connection, participation sharing something in common with other people in the same area, town, etc.
COLLABORATION
 All people/ community / services / systems, etc. involved with the person's everyday life are communicating, cooperating, aiding each other and working together to create a seamless system that bridges from education to adult services in the person's life.
COMMUNICATION

Exchanging desires, wants needs, feelings, ideas, messages, or information through gestures, sounds, words spoken, oral, written, sign, or technologically enhanced language.  This language is both expressive (making thoughts known) and receptive (understanding what others are saying).