| Characteristics | Skills |
|---|---|
| Include:
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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
