In self-determination, what does 'Support' mean?

In self-determination, what does 'Support' mean?

• A. The ability for individuals to plan a life with chosen support rather than purchasing a pre-set program.
• B. The ability for a person with a disability to control a specific sum of money to purchase their own supports.
• C. Arranging formal and informal resources to help an individual live a life rich in community association.
• D. Accepting a valued role in the community and being accountable for spending public dollars in life-enhancing ways.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that Support in self-determination means coordinating both formal services and informal networks to help a person fully participate in their community. It’s about arranging the people, resources, and opportunities—like staff, family and friends, transportation, and community activities—that enable a person to live, engage, and pursue their goals in everyday life. This option best captures that practical, inclusive approach to support. It emphasizes building access to a wide range of resources so the individual can be part of the community, not just managing money or choosing a preset program. The other ideas touch on related but different concepts: planning with chosen supports focuses on the planning process itself; controlling a budget to buy supports is money management; and taking on a valued community role with accountability for public funds centers on civic responsibility rather than the supports that enable participation.

The main idea here is that Support in self-determination means coordinating both formal services and informal networks to help a person fully participate in their community. It’s about arranging the people, resources, and opportunities—like staff, family and friends, transportation, and community activities—that enable a person to live, engage, and pursue their goals in everyday life.

This option best captures that practical, inclusive approach to support. It emphasizes building access to a wide range of resources so the individual can be part of the community, not just managing money or choosing a preset program.

The other ideas touch on related but different concepts: planning with chosen supports focuses on the planning process itself; controlling a budget to buy supports is money management; and taking on a valued community role with accountability for public funds centers on civic responsibility rather than the supports that enable participation.