POLICY SUPPORTING SELF-DETERMINATION IN THE ENVIRONMENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

The ability of individuals with disabilities to make choices and becom e self-determining has become a major focus of services, research, and policy in the field of disability. One aspect of policy, which has be en largely overlooked in issues of choice and self-determination is th e physical environment. In this article we examine policy underscoring the importance of choice and self-determination in the lives of child ren with disabilities, particularly pertaining to the physical environ ment. Wh examine the research as it relates to self-determination in t ile physical environment for children. Four pieces of legislation are examined to identify the opportunities that are created through the le gislation for choice and self-determination for children with disabili ties. The four pieces of legislation examined include: the Americans w ith Disabilities Act; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Fai r Housing Amendments Act; and Rehabilitation Act. These laws increase the likelihood that children with disabilities will attain quality of life through greater freedom and choices in their home, school and com munity environments.