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Principles of Self - Determination
Freedom
Freedom includes the ability of adults with developmental disabilities to exercise the same rights as all citizens; to establish, with freely chosen supporters, family and friends, where they want to live, with whom they want to live, how their time will be occupied, and who supports them; and, for families, to have the freedom to receive unbiased assistance of their own choosing when developing a plan and to select all personnel and supports to further the life goals of a minor child.
Authority
Authority includes the ability of a person with a disability, or family, to control a certain sum of dollars in order to purchase services and supports of their choosing.
Support
Support includes the ability to arrange resources and personnel, both formal and informal, that will assist a person with a disability to live a life in his or her community that is rich in community participation and contributions.
Responsibility
Responsibility includes the ability of participants to take responsibility for decisions in their own lives and to be accountable for the use of public dollars, and to accept a valued role in their community through, for example, competitive employment, organizational affiliations, spiritual development, and general caring of others in their community.
Confirmation
Confirmation includes confirmation of the critical role of participants and their families in making decisions in their own lives and designing and operating the system that they rely on.