Self-Determination has four basic rights and responsibilities:
- Freedom
Freedom for Americans with disabilities is like freedom for any American. It means deciding for oneself about: how to work, live and love direct one's life how to give to the community what kind of services and supports to use (if any) People who experience disability do not have to accept segregated schooling, institutional placement, service slots, or forced treatment of any kind.
- Authority or control of own life
Americans with disabilities have the right to direct their lives. This includes: having control over how to spend their money having the right to vote being able to sign legal contracts (like one for buying a house, or for getting married) being able to decide how funds available for support services will be spent Support agreements must be developed together by individuals and funders. Funds must be assigned to individuals rather than slots. People with disabilities must be allowed to use those funds to purchase the supports they require. They also must be able to personally select (hire) and direct people who provide support or assistance.
- Support
People with disabilities may desire support/assistance to: care for themselves be an active part of their communities Each person who experiences disability can determine the supports that work for him or her. People with disabilities (together with those they trust, if they want) have the right to figure out: their life goals what kind of supports might work how to make and keep track of plans and budgets Those who assist people with disabilities will work towards bringing support and access to life opportunities at the highest potential. Independent brokers must also be available to assist people in designing, setting up, and managing their supports. Fiscal intermediaries must be available to assist with employment paperwork and bill paying. Both must work at the direction of the person with a disability and be free from conflicts of interest.
- Responsibility
People with disabilities have the responsibility to fulfill the ordinary obligations of citizenship like: voting obeying laws directing their own lives participating in community life Policy barriers must be removed when they prevent people who earn money from receiving health insurance, personal assistance or other needed supports.
