Examining Predictors of Self-Determination in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This paper reports the results of an exploratory analysis of data from the Oklahoma National Core Indicators (NCI) project, examining the degree to which items related to opportunities for choice and control in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the NCI Adult Consumer Survey predicted self-reported self-determination outcomes assessed with the Short Form of The Arc’s Self-Determination Scale: Adult Version. Findings suggest that several environmental factors related to choice and control opportunities impact self-determination and its essential characteristics. Being able to lock one’s door and having voting experience were both significant predictors. Interestingly, having a behavior plan was negatively associated with overall self-determination, self-regulation, and self-realization. However, limited numbers of participants were aware of their behavior plan or involved in developing it. Implications for the assessment of choice opportunities and the design and delivery of supports and services across the lifespan are discussed.