What is Self Determination?

People with disabilities have the same right to, and responsibilities that accompany, self-determination as everyone else. They are entitled to opportunities, respectful support, and the authority to exert control in their lives, to direct their services, and to act on their own behalf.

Quite simply, being self-determined means making things happen in a person’s own life, instead of having others do things to, or for them. People who are self-determined know what they want and how to get it. They choose and set goals, then work to reach them. They advocate on their own behalf, and are involved in solving problems and making decisions about their lives. They don’t have to do everything for themselves, but instead, they make or cause things to happen in their lives that improve the quality of their lives.  

Each week, a small group of people get together to talk about leading self determined lives.  We brainstorm strategies for being more independent, how to take more control over our lives and work to develop and practice soft skills with life skills. 

If you are interested in hearing more about this group, or leading a self determined life, please reach out!  We can be contact via text or phone at 715-432-7601 or email at saras@oppincwi.org.