WHAT SELF-ADVOCATES WANT


Click for article Self-Determination

In this article, Michael Kennedy, shares his personal understanding of Self-Determination. From living in an institution to living on his own, he explains in practical ways what it means to be Self-Determined. He states, "What people need to realize is that self-determination can be different things to different people. All people should have the opportunity to be self-determining, based on what that means for them."


Click for article Self-Determination

Judith Snow, a self-advocate, writer and lecturer, puts a different spin on Self-Determination. She agrees that Self-Determination is defined as freedom, authority, support, and responsibility, but she places the emphasis on relationships. "Independence does not lead to sovereignty in one's own life-the right sort of relationship does!" What matters, Snow writes, is to spread the vision that all peoples are necessary to make a complete and whole world.

Charles Moseley, the Director of the National Program Office on Self-Determination, writes in the 2001 edition of the Common Sense Newsletter that "Self-determination is not a type of service, but an approach to structuring the way supports are made available to the people who need them."

According to Mr. Moseley, self-advocates want:

Jobs and the respect that comes from contributing to a

   community
Transportation to go where they want to go

To spend time with self-selected friends

Support, assistance, and training, but not controlled or

   managed
Their perspective to be included in decision making
Family members to respect their right to live independently

In conclusion, Moseley states, "Self-determination is based on the presumption that everyone in society is equally valuable and that people with disabilities have a right to enjoy the same freedom and opportunities for participation as other community members."

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