Self-determination across the life span: Issues and gaps.

2011

Michael Wehmeyer
[email protected]
785-864-0723

This article synthesizes the literature on self-determination across the life span with a focus on identifying gaps that exist between theory, research, and evidence-based practices. Using a life-stages approach, it first examines issues across life phases, and then examines cross-cutting topics (employment, abuse and neglect, and health) that are relevant during several age ranges. A life span approach to self-determination takes into account both the developmental stage and the social ecological aspect. While its expression for individuals with developmental disabilities can begin at the earliest stages, in general level of self-determination increases throughout adolescence and early adulthood. The expression of self-determination is also shaped by opportunities in family, school, vocational, and residential environments. Also such practices and policies such as consumer-direction in supports and training interventions that teach elements of goal planning and choice-making.

Self-Determination, Life Span, Gaps

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Professionals

Electronic (disc, CD, 508 compliant web posting)

http://www.aucd.org/ngsd

N/A