“The Right to Make Choices”: How vocational rehabilitation can help young adults with disabilities increase self-determination and avoid guardianship

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Research has consistently shown that self-determination, a person’s authority and opportunity to make life choices, is a key element for a meaningful and independent life. Nevertheless, many young adults with disabilities are placed in overbroad or undue guardianships – guardianships imposed on people who have the capacity to make their own decisions or who can use less-restrictive alternatives to guardianship – denying them their right to make fundamental choices about where they live, what they do, and with whom they interact.

OBJECTIVE: This article gives an overview of the negative implications of overbroad or undue guardianship, the benefits of self-determination, and ways Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) supports and services can provide employment-based education and training to help young adults with disabilities develop and demonstrate self-determination, gain independent living skills, and overcome any perceived need for guardianship.

CONCLUSION: People with disabilities who are encouraged and supported to make their own decisions are better employed at higher salaries and more independent. VR supports and services focused on employment-based self-determination and independent living skills can empower young adults with disabilities.