PURPOSE

To understand the meaning of Self-determination and the key elements of Self-Directed Supports for people with disabilities (self-advocates); and as guided by self-advocates, use these concepts in your role as a Support Broker.

1. Define Self-Determination.
2. Identify the key principles of Self-Determination as defined by

    self-advocacy groups.
3. Outline the key elements of a Self-Directed support system.

4. Describe how a Support Broker facilitates self-direction.        

   

INTRODUCTION

As a Support Broker, your role is to facilitate the life plan of an adult who has a disability.  Like all people, people with disabilities want to be in charge of their own lives. Being in charge means that you decide the basics, what to wear in the morning, what to eat, and when to go to bed.  It also means that you choose what kind of life you will lead, where you will live, who you will live with, your friends, your work, your hobbies, things you do for pleasure, things you do that contribute to your community, political views and who you vote for.  Self-Determination means that you have the same rights and responsibilities as everybody else. Self-Determination means that you are in charge of your own destiny.  As a Support Broker, your role is to assist adults with disabilities to live their self-defined destinies.

Self-Determination is based on a person's wants, needs, and desires. There is no right or wrong way to be Self-Determined.  In fact, there are as many paths to Self-Determination as there are people. Your role as a Support Broker is to make a person's life choices possible.

The My Voice, My Choice waiver option in Idaho is a self-directed support system guided by the principles of Self-Determination.  The key elements of self-directed supports are:

Consumer control
Use of a Support Broker and Fiscal Intermediary
Individualized funding and budgets
Assurance of quality services, health, and safety

Some people with disabilities use alternative communication strategies to express themselves. Throughout this training, you will meet individuals who communicate using: 1) spoken words, 2) assistive technology devices, and 3) through other people who know them well. Click here for more information on alternative communication systems.

Kristyn (below) uses an electronic communication device. For clarity, a transcript of her words is provided below the video segment.

Kristyn's own words are: "Self-Determination means being able to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. It also means that I am able to view my options and make my own decisions without others doing it for me."

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