Self-Determination
The Four Principles
The
self-determination movement was founded on four basic American
principles:
FREEDOM:
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:
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:
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:
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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