Scaling-Up Self-Determination

Scaling-up for Self-Determination refers to many processes and procedures that help organizations at the community, state, and national level to sustain best and evidence-based practices in self-determination over time.

These policy and organizational supports for self-determination occur through a number of initiatives by a variety of stakeholders which will be highlighted below

NGSD Task Forces

Aging and Life Span Issues
	Aging successfully evolves from exercising SD to create a successful and productive life. It is a dynamic process involving individuals in their environment including the historical and cultural context. Chair - Tamar Heller, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Disability and Human Development (UCEDD).
	Employment
SD is the essential element for enhancing individual control and involvement in employment, and ultimately job satisfaction and success. Chair - Michael Wehmeyer, Kansas University Center on Developmental disabilities (UCEDD) at the University of Kansas.
Self-Advocacy
	Self-advocacy skills are critically important if adults with disabilities are to become independent, self-determined people who participate meaningfully in the making major life decisions. Chair - Carl Calkins, University of Missouri Kansas City - Institute for Human Development (UCEDD).
	Community Living
In many places people with disabilities are denied freedom and opportunity through institutionalization, excluding them from the fabric and mainstream of community life. Chair – Brian Abery, University of Minnesota.
Health
	SD has potential for improving the health of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are at greater risk for secondary and chronic conditions, have higher rates of preventable complications and premature death; are more likely to engage in poor health behaviors; and are less likely to obtain affordable and appropriate medical care, early disease identification or preventive screening, or access health promotion activities. Chair - Ansley Bacon, Westchester Institute for Human Development (UCEDD) at New York Medical College.