Promoting Self Determination for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

As community inclusion efforts continue to develop, the recognition of the capacity and rights of persons with cognitive and learning difficulties to participate in planning their own programs has been increasingly acknowledged by providers. This paper presents a needs assessment which was conducted with a small group of people with disabilities, to ascertain their perspectives on community integration for the purpose of social and recreational activity. Anchored on acknowledgment of the rights of people with disabilities to exercise self determination, a focus group methodology was used to provide the opportunity for the client group to have a voice in developing their own recreation opportunities.