SELF-DETERMINATION AND INDIVIDUALS WITH SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES - EXAMINING MEANINGS AND MISINTERPRETATIONS

There appears to be a belief held by many people, both in the field of disability services and among people in the general public, that self -determination is a topic not relevant for people with significant dis abilities. This article reviews how the term has been defined and conc eptualized, examines misperceptions of the term that may have contribu ted to the exclusion of people with significant disabilities, and seek s to find common ground to move forward to promote self-determination for people with significant disabilities.