Leadership for Self Determination

=This document is a comprehensive summary of a retreat held in June 1999 by the North Carolina Self-Determination Leadership Network, focusing on empowering people with developmental disabilities to take control of their lives and resources. ​ It explores two key aspects of self-determination: individual empowerment and systemic change in the developmental disabilities service system. ​ The retreat emphasized shifting power from service administrators to individuals and families, enabling them to make decisions about their own lives through flexible funding and personalized support. ​

Key topics include the challenges of implementing self-determination, policy questions around funding allocation, and strategies for overcoming barriers like institutional resistance and fragmentation. The document also highlights the importance of social and political change, coalition-building, and engaging media and legislators to ensure the success of self-determination initiatives. ​ It identifies potential pitfalls, such as over-promising, poor politics, and lack of public understanding, while offering actionable steps to strengthen advocacy networks, pilot projects, and community involvement.

Readers will gain insights into the principles of self-determination, the obstacles it faces, and the transformative potential it holds for creating inclusive communities where people with developmental disabilities can thrive as active citizens. Whether you’re an advocate, policymaker, or simply curious about disability rights, this document provides a thoughtful roadmap for driving meaningful change.