Successful Self-Direction Is Successful Consumer Engagement

In the intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) field, self-direction has become an increasingly preferred model for consumer-focused health care. Self-direction is the concept that consumers are "entitled to opportunities, respectful support, and the authority to exert control in their lives, to direct their services, and to act on their own behalf" (see Self-Determination and Self-Determination: Principles For Evaluating Your System).

To be more specific, self-direction models provide consumers with the opportunity to manage the services they receive based on their needs and preferences. There are two elements in self-determination – employer authority and budget . . .