Self-determination is the ability of individuals to make the choices that allow them to exercise control over their own lives, to achieve the goals to which they aspire and to acquire the skills and resources necessary to participate fully and meaningfully in society. Self-determination traditionally has been out of reach or at best difficult to achieve for people with severe disabilities and health problems.
Self-Determination is the ability for people to:
The 5 basic rights
The right to self-determination must include individuals with all types of disabilities. Self-Determination has five basic rights and responsibilities: Freedom, Authority, Support, Responsibility, and Confirmation.
FREEDOM to choose a meaningful life in the community
Freedom for Americans with disabilities is the same as freedom for any American. People who experience disability do not have to accept segregated schooling, institutional placement, service slots, or forced treatment of any kind.
AUTHORITY Over a targeted amount of dollars
Americans with disabilities have the right to direct their lives. This includes:
-
having control over how to spend their money
-
being able to sign legal contracts (like one for buying a house, or for getting married)
-
being able to decide how funds available for support services will be spent
Support agreements must be developed together by individuals and funders. Funds must be assigned to individuals rather than slots. People with disabilities must be allowed to use those funds to purchase the supports they require. They also must be able to personally select (hire) and direct people who provide support or assistance.
SUPPORT To organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and meaningful to the individual
Each person who experiences disability can determine the supports that work for him or her. People with disabilities (together with those they trust, if they want) have the right to figure out:
Those who assist people with disabilities will work towards bringing support and access to life opportunities at the highest potential.
Independent brokers must also be available to assist people in designing, setting up, and managing their supports. Fiscal intermediaries must be available to assist with employment paperwork and bill paying. Both must work at the direction of the person with a disability and be free from conflicts of interest.
RESPONSIBILITY for the wise use of public dollars
People with disabilities have the responsibility to fulfill the ordinary obligations of citizenship like:
Policy barriers must be removed when they prevent people who earn money from receiving health insurance, personal assistance or other needed supports.
CONFIRMATION of the important leadership role that individuals with disabilities and families must play in a newly re-designed system and support for the advocacy movement
The leadership of Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered exemplifies this principle (http://sabeusa.org).
|