Self-Determination for Persons with Disabilities: Choice, Risk, and Dignity

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Abstract
Self-determination refers to the ability to consider options and make appropriate choices in the home, at school, at work, and during leisure time. A growing philosophical and legal base supports full participation of persons with disabilities in natural settings in the community, and empirical studies document the abilities of persons with severe and multiple disabilities to learn to make choices. Follow-up studies indicate that the majority of special education graduates have not made a successful transition from school to life as an adult in the community. Many remain underemployed or unemployed for reasons associated with lack of decision-making skills. This article presents a rationale for including self-determination in special education curricula. The article describes a framework for providing choices, based on an analysis of risk and benefits. Assessment approaches and teaching strategies are offered.