Self-Determination
Self-determination is defined as the ability of persons to control their lives and make their own decisions.
When persons have opportunities to make daily choices, understand consequences, manage their behavior and participate in a variety of experiences they achieve self-determination. Case managers, encourage and support persons by providing them the information and resources they need to live self-determined lives.
To become self-determined an individual requires options, choices and learning experiences. Individual self-determination is improved by having:
- Options from which to choose and preference between options
- Freedom and support to make choices and understanding the consequences of making choices
- Ongoing opportunities to learn.
© 2005 Disability Services Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services.
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