Self-Determination is a voluntary option that affords you greater choice, flexibility, and control over your supports and services through the use of an individual budget, a fiscal intermediary, and direct contracting with service providers.

What is Self-Determination?

Self-Determination is the philosophy that every individual should have real and effective options to live a full, meaningful, and productive life according to his or her values. People are encouraged to lead their own lives by putting them in control of their own budgets. Self-Determination empowers people to create meaningful lives in their communities and gives people the freedom to make their own choices.

Principles of Self-Determination

Freedom

To plan your life with the supports necessary for life.

Authority

In arranging resources and personnel (both formal and informal) to assist you in living in your community.

Support

To control a set sum of dollars in order to purchase supports as authorized in your plan of services and supported by your individual budget.

Responsibility

Of accepting a valued role in your community though employment, affiliations, and spiritual development and of being accountable for using public dollars in ways that are based on needs and that are life-enhancing.

Confirmation

Of the important leadership that self-advocates hold.