Self determination is “a combination of skills, knowledge and beliefs that enable a person to engage in goal-directed, self-regulated, autonomous behavior.”
— Michael Wehmeyer
Wehmeyer goes on to describe Self-Determination as:
A process of gradually assuming more control and taking greater responsibility in decisions and actions
Not about having complete control but a process of becoming more self-reliant and achieving a state of interdependence, managing and directing those you enlist to support you in your efforts to achieve your goals
Essential characteristics include:
An understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses coupled with a belief in oneself as capable and effective
Being a causal agent who makes things happen by being goal-directed and applying problem-solving and decision-making skills to guide actions
Knowing what you can do on your own and what you can do with supports
Essential skills include:
Setting own long-term and short-term goals
Solving problems that are barriers to achieving those goals
Making appropriate choices based on preferences and interests
Participating in decisions that affect one’s quality of life
Advocating for oneself
Creating action plans to achieve goals
Self-regulating and self-managing day-to-day actions
