About IRIS: What is Self-Determination?

IRIS is grounded in the core values of self-determination:

• Freedom to decide how you want to live your life;
  
  
• Authority over a specific budget;
  
  
• Support to organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and meaningful to you;
  
  
• Responsibility for the wise use of public dollars and recognition of the contribution you make to your community; and
  
  
• Confirmation of the important role of self-advocates.

These principles assure that you are the decision-maker about your life, including determining how to spend your days and the types of support or assistance you need.

Part of living a self-determined life means directing your own supports and services. In IRIS, that means you decide:

• What services, supports and goods you need to help you live the life you want;
  
  
• When you want services and supports;
  
  
• Who you select to provide those services and supports;
  
  
• Where you need or want services and supports; and
  
  
• Whom you want to help you plan your services, supports and goods