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Self-Determination Pilot Project

Donna is a woman in her mid forties who lives in an apartment with her cat Bambie.

Donna joined the self-determination pilot project in March, 2000. She completed her plan and budget in August 2000. Donna has been directing her supports and controlling her budget for nine months.

Donna likes self-determination. What she likes best about self-determination is that she is able to have an emergency medical on call service and help getting the things she needs. Before self-determination Donna couldn't seem to get things done or started. Now she has a broker who helps her get things started and connected with people.

Donna states that she is more self-reliant now. She calls the fiscal intermediary who handles her budget money about once a month. The fiscal intermediary sends her a check at the beginning of each month. Donna cashes the check and then pays for things like bus passes and taking someone out to dinner.

Donna does not think self-determination is hard at all. She has started to invite other people to the self-determination dinners and meetings so they can understand what it is about.

Recently she started going to the Senior Center a few days a week. Donna is meeting new people and friends from long ago. She enjoys the music, nutritious meals and doing art projects. People at the Senior Center help her keep track of health issues like her blood sugars. Donna was thrilled to find out that she has lost thirty pounds. She says she lost weight because she does her exercises and is getting out and walking more often.

Donna describes her life as boring before self-determination. She says that now her life is better. When asked how self-determination has changed her life Donna says 'My life is full of socializations!'