WHAT IS SELF-DETERMINATION?

Self-Determination (SD) is an idea that came from people with developmental disabilities and their families who wanted more control over their supports and services. While SD can be achieved in many ways, one important way is through a new option offered by OMRDD called the Self-Determination Pilot Project.

It's about personal choice. People in OMRDD's Self-Determination Pilot Project decide, with friends and family, what they want to do. They identify the supports they will need. Together they decide who to interview and hire to assist them, and they provide training to those they hire. They arrange their own service schedules. This is often called self-directed services.

The Self-Determination Pilot Project is also about flexible funding. Individuals actively manage their own budget using a new waiver service called Consolidated Supports and Services (CSS). The person authorizes payment for the supports and services they've chosen. Participants agree to use their budgets safely and wisely, but they are in control.