Building Self-Determination

Being knowledgeable about work incentives helps people to take control over their lives – a concept called self-determination. Here are the key principles for successful self-determination:

  1. A person has the FREEDOM to dream, to make his or her own decisions and plan his or her own life. 
  2. A person has the AUTHORITY to control how money is spent for his or her supports.
  3. A person has the SUPPORT needed from friends, family, and other people the person chooses.
  4. A person takes RESPONSIBILITY to do what he or she says he or she will do.
  5. CONFIRMATION – the recognition that individuals themselves be a major part of the design of long-term services and supports.