Self-determination and adults with intellectual disability

Abstract

The concept of self-determination started to be used in our country a few years ago as a basis (reference) in the services and programs directed at the mentally handicapped. The concept of self- determination is about the urgent need and the right of the mentally handicapped to have more control over their lives. However, although this concept has been rapidly and easily assimilated as part of professional jargon (a good example is all the papers that have been published on the theme), and the unanimity that seems to exist around the necessity to ensure its development, in many cases it ends up converting itself into a collection of abilities that need to be developed in the person with the mental handicap.In this way, as occurs with other concepts that come for Anglo-Saxon culture, for instance «empowerment » or «self advocacy» it is forgotten that their strength resides in their very nature. That is to say, the recognition of the possibility and the need of the mentally handicapped, to take control over what happens to them.