Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Self-determination is about sharing power and control and negotiating relationships among consumers, families, advocates, providers and support coordinators This report identifies the characteristics of self-determination and what this means in terms of operating a human services system in 11 states: Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Washington (Island and Spokane counties), and Wisconsin. The different perspectives and approaches to implementing self-determination are identified, and program examples from other states are provided.