CENTER ON SELF-DETERMINATIOn
About the Center
The Center on Self-Determination (CSD) acts as a bridge between the Oregon Institute on Disability and Development and the communities throughout the state of Oregon.
Communication and partnerships allows the CSD to provide academic and research based information and resources to community members, organizations and policy makers.
Disability, advocacy, health and wellness, family involvement and leadership are supported by the CSD with a lifespan approach to self-determination.
What is Self-Determination?
Self-Determination is the ability for people to:
- control their lives
- reach set goals
- take part fully in the world around them
The right to self-determination includes individuals with all types of disabilities.
Self-Determination- Your Rights
Freedom. It means deciding for oneself how to work, live and love. People who experience disability do not have to accept segregated schooling, institutional placement, service slots, or forced treatment of any kind.
Authority. It's having the right to direct one's life. This includes: money management, the right to vote and sign legal contracts (ie: home ownership or marriage). The power to personally select (hire) and direct people who provide support or assistance is indispensable.
Support. In order to care for oneself and be an active part of the community people with disabilities may desire assistance. Each has the right to determine their life goals and what kind of support is needed to achieve them. Those who assist people with disabilities work towards providing access to life opportunities at the highest potential.
Responsibility. As a person with a disability it is one's obligation to fulfill ordinary citizenship duties such as voting, obeying laws and participating in the community.
