Translating Self-Determination Concepts into Support for Adults with Severe Disabilities

Abstract

Enhancing self-determination is an ongoing process that involves the development of skills, interaction with the environment, and the support of others. In this report we translate the concepts of self-determination into action strategies for support providers who work with adults with severe disabilities. Specifically, this report (a) describes several barriers to self-determination, (b) describes ways to translate the four components of self-determination into practice, (c) provides an example of how support for self-determination was implemented for one woman, and (d) discusses some of the unresolved challenges in making self-determination a reality for adults with severe disabilities.