An Introduction to the Theory and Measurement of Self-Determination

Services for youth with disabilities often include efforts to enhance self-determination, which refers to individuals acting as primary agents to maintain or improve the quality of their lives. Because of this, it is important for practitioners and researchers working with youth with disabilities to have a basic understanding of self-determination. The Center for Studying Disability Policy is hosting a presentation by Thomas Fraker, a senior fellow at Mathematica, titled, “An Introduction to the Theory and Measurement of Self-Determination.” The presentation is based on a 2008 article by Karrie Shogren and colleagues titled, “Understanding the Construct of Self-Determination.” Fraker will review two theories of self-determination, the associated measurement methods, and findings from an empirical analysis of the methods.