Focus on Vermont’s Self-Determination Project
This document dives into Vermont’s Self-Determination Project, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to empower people with developmental disabilities. It captures insights from a focus group held in June 1998, where participants explored how self-determination can transform lives. The project emphasizes giving individuals and families more control over publicly funded services, enabling them to make decisions about budgets, hire their own assistants, and pursue meaningful goals like work, education, and independent living.
Key achievements include the formation of diverse project teams—comprising individuals with disabilities, family members, and service providers—who model collaboration and shared responsibility. The document highlights the importance of fostering self-advocacy, building supportive relationships, and challenging systemic barriers. It also addresses myths and pitfalls, such as the misconception that self-determination is only for certain individuals or that it means navigating life alone.
Readers will learn about the project’s role in reshaping Vermont’s developmental services system, promoting smoother transitions, and encouraging creative problem-solving. The focus is on balancing individual desires with community responsibilities, while pushing agencies to maximize flexibility and innovate. By imagining the project’s impact in 2000, the document showcases its potential to strengthen advocacy networks, influence policy, and redefine case management.
Ultimately, this report is a call to action for embracing self-determination as a lifelong process, ensuring no one is excluded due to age, ability, or legal status. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how empowering individuals can lead to systemic change, making Vermont a model for inclusive, person-centered support. Dive in to discover how this project is reshaping lives and systems alike!