Promoting Self-Determination in Community Contexts: Experiences With Implementing the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction

Abstract

This article describes a pilot project focused on creating opportunities for self-determination to enhance the community participation outcomes of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities using the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI). The pilot project grew out of a partnership between researchers at a university and the state's developmental disabilities services system in their state and emerged from collaborative discussions of needs in the community. The purpose of the project was to (a) investigate effective ways to deliver the SDLMI in a community context and (b) identify the systemic changes needed to enable scaling-up of supports for self-determination. This article introduces a framework for implementing the SDLMI in the community and highlight lessons learned through community-based implementation.