Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Text-to-Speech • Medicaid Waiver • Adaptive Sports

Self-Determination

Term from Disability Services industry explained for recruiters

Self-Determination is a key approach in disability services that focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities to make their own choices about their lives, services, and future goals. It's based on the belief that people with disabilities should have control over their daily decisions, just like anyone else. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it usually refers to programs or methods that help people with disabilities become more independent, make their own decisions, and advocate for themselves. Similar terms you might see include person-centered planning, client empowerment, or independent living skills.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Self-Determination principles in daily support programs for 20+ clients

Created training materials promoting Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy skills

Led workshops teaching Self-Determination strategies to individuals with developmental disabilities

Typical job title: "Disability Support Professionals"

Also try searching for:

Direct Support Professional Disability Services Coordinator Independent Living Specialist Support Coordinator Person-Centered Planning Specialist Disability Rights Advocate Life Skills Coach

Where to Find Disability Support Professionals

Professional Organizations

Online Resources

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a self-determination program in a residential facility?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss creating individualized plans, training staff, involving families, measuring outcomes, and ensuring choices in daily activities while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Q: How do you balance client self-determination with risk management?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate understanding of supported decision-making, risk assessment protocols, and strategies to maximize independence while ensuring appropriate safeguards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Describe a time when you helped a client achieve a self-determination goal.

Expected Answer: Should provide specific examples of working with clients to set and achieve personal goals, showing understanding of person-centered planning and progress monitoring.

Q: How do you teach self-advocacy skills to clients?

Expected Answer: Should explain practical methods for teaching choice-making, communication skills, and self-advocacy, with examples of successful strategies used with different ability levels.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What does self-determination mean in disability services?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding that self-determination means supporting individuals to make their own choices and have control over their lives.

Q: How do you support client choices in daily activities?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic strategies for offering choices and supporting decision-making in everyday situations while following service plans.