Self-determination means having the power and opportunity to make choices, control one’s life and set goals for the future. It also means having these choices, dreams and goals respected and supported by others. Self-determination is critical to self-sufficiency and independence.

With the appropriate level and types of support, people who are deafblind can control their lives and make decisions about their futures.

People who are deafblind should be encouraged to dream about their futures, set goals and take an active role in achieving them. This can be challenging for people who are deafblind because they often have limited life experiences and may have difficulty accessing information about their environment, understanding their options, comparing experiences, etc.