Two Important Concepts in Self-Direction

As people and their families learn more about self-direction it is essential to recognize that Person-Centered Thinking and Planning remains at the core.  The Community Living Education Project (CLEP) is driven by person-centered thinking; it is fundamental belief of each team member. Self-direction cannot occur without person-centered thinking and learning about how someone wants to live their life.  There must always be a balance between “what’s important to” (where the person wants to live, who they want to share their day with, having a valued role in a community) and “what’s important for” their health and safety.  It’s not about choosing one over the other. Just like for all of us in our daily lives, there is a negotiation between the "to" and "for." 

There is also a concept called The Dignity of Risk influencing this balance between “what’s important to” and “what’s important for” people.  Dignity of Risk allows people to make choices that may have negative consequences.  When the parties involved talk through possible consequences and make decisions based on this discussion, it leads to lives guided by self-determination. Over-protection, on the other hand, can lead to poor self-esteem and low expectations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Think about the person who is being supported and whether you are sharing power with them or over them.  For example, insisting that someone eat healthy meals three times a day, every day, may not be realistic for everyone.  People without disabilities choose what to eat and sometimes have ice cream for dinner.   Barring any medical support needs that require a strict diet, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities must be able to share that decision making power with those who support them and occasionally choose ice cream for dinner.

Allowing for Dignity of Risk means allowing someone to be human.