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Self-Direction Worldwide: Contrasting Beliefs and their Impact on Practice

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

Self-Direction Worldwide: Contrasting Beliefs and their Impact on Practice

Lynn Breedlove

This paper reviews the evolution of self-direction over the last 25 years, and the variety of self-direction definitions, values, and practices around the world. Hopefully it will enable self-direction advocates to learn from each other and incorporate good ideas from other places in their own self-direction approach.

Many definitions of self-direction are cited, illustrating that in some places self-direction is viewed strictly as a way for people to control their paid services, while in other places it is seen as an element of citizenship which applies to a person’s entire life. Some definitions mention the involvement of family or friends in assisting the person to self-direct (if s/he wants or needs that), but some definitions do not. Some people see community integration as an essential part of self-direction; others don’t mention it.

In some places, there is no mention of the need or availability for paid support (beyond family and friends) to enable a person to successfully self-direct. In other places, such supports are considered essential and the paper identifies a variety of support models in place around the world.

A number of challenging questions emerge: Is self-direction a human service program or something bigger? Is community integration a self-direction goal for everyone? Do people who are self-directing have responsibilities to government or to the rest of us? Should people have access to support for self-direction beyond family and friends?

Read paper

Join the Discussion

1. Do you define self-direction as a way to control your services, or as something that relates to your whole life?
2. Do you think self-direction is something a person has to do on their own, or is it OK to get help from family or friends?
3. Are there any supports for self-direction described in pg. 10-13 of the paper which are not currently available in Wisconsin, but you wish they were?
4. Do you believe self-direction could be used to reinforce segregation? If so, how could we safeguard against that?

2018 Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

We were so pleased to see so many of you at this year’s Self-Determination Conference. There were a ton of great sessions and events again this year. What was your favorite part? What were some things that you learned? What resources did you find particularly helpful?  Do you have a neat story from the conference? Did something really inspire you?

Let's keep the conversation going! Share your comments, questions, and ideas here!

updated by @sd-network: 11/01/18 08:29:31PM

May 2018 Featured Discussion Question: How has self-direction impacted your life?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

People of all ages are finding success, but also struggles as they use self-directed supports at home, school or their work.  How has self-direction impacted your life?  What words of advice do you have for others just beginning to use self-direction?

Share your thoughts.  We can learn from one another by sharing our resources and experiences on here.

April 2018 Featured Discussion Question: What are some interesting stories of people getting community jobs they like by using self-direction strategies?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

For many people with disabilities, finding employment can be challenging. What are  some interesting stories of people getting community jobs they like by using self-direction strategies?

Share your thoughts.  We can learn from one another by sharing our resources and experiences on here.  

March 2018 Featured Discussion Question: How can people use self-direction strategies to obtain affordable, accessible housing?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

Finding housing is often another major challenge for people with disabilities.  How can people use self-direction strategies to obtain affordable, accessible housing? 

Share your thoughts.  We can learn from one another by sharing our resources and experiences on here.  

February 2018 Featured Discussion: What are some promising ways to obtain affordable, accessible transportation using self-direction strategies?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

Transportation often seems to be a significant barrier for people with disabilities.  What are some promising ways to obtain affordable, accessible transportation using self-direction strategies?

Share your thoughts.  We can learn from one another by sharing our resources and experiences on here.  

updated by @sd-network: 01/31/18 10:55:31AM

2017 Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

We were so pleased to see so many of you at the 10th annual Self-Determination Conference. There were a ton of great sessions and events this year. What was your favorite part? What were some things that you learned? Do you have a funny story from the conference? Did something really inspire you?

Lets keep the conversation going! Share your comments, questions, and ideas here!

updated by @sd-network: 11/07/17 01:50:17PM

How will the proposed "40-hour" rule for IRIS affect you?

Wisconsin Long Term Care Redesign: Questions & Comments

The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services is working on a 40-hour rule that will limit the number of hours that IRIS participants may have individual staff work for them. At this time, they are working on revising that rule (see this page for more info).

How will a "40-hour" rule affect you and your caregiver staff? What are your thoughts on this proposed rule?

updated by @sd-network: 10/27/16 02:34:53PM

What Are Your Hot Topics or Challenges?

Hot Topics and Challenges for Self-Determination

We know that there are a lot of you out there in the communities working together to understand, implement and create rewarding lives for elders and people with disabilities. 

We want to hear from you! What's your hot topic for self-determination these days?  Tell us what topics affect your everyday life.  What questions do you have about self-determination or disability related issues?

DHS Releases Concept Paper for LTC Redesign: What Do You Think?

Wisconsin Long Term Care Redesign: Questions & Comments

On March 2nd, the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services released their concept paper for the redesign of the Long-Term Care System. (You can find that document here.) What do you think of the new system they are describing? How does it affect you or the people you care about? 

***A friendly reminder:We really encourage you to debate the facts and express your feelings regarding this issue. In respect for all individuals, we kindly ask that members refrain from posting anything that personally attacks any individual or reflects on partisan politics. We need to remain a non-partisan network. We reserve the right to remove any personal attack or political comment.

updated by @sd-network: 03/03/16 04:05:05PM