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The Self Determination group logo supporting individuals with I/DD

THE SELF DETERMINATION GROUP

Our lives. Our rights. Our voices.

Group Picture of I/DD Advocates from the Self Determination Group

WE SERVE TO:

1

Educate, advocate for, and support the concept of self-determination.

2

Take actions that promote the human rights and inclusion of PWD.

Concepts of

SELF-DETERMINATION

  • What is the Arc of DFW Area's Service area?
    Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area provide an advocate to help me with my child’s ARD/IEP meeting?
    The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization which does not provide direct services. We believe you are your child’s best advocate and want to empower you with tools and information for this opportunity. Our Arc @ School (https://thearcatschool.org) advocacy curriculum provides the basic information that parents, educators, and other advocates need. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) also has extensive resources, including those specific to Texas. We hope you are successful and do not require a third-party to assist you in dispute resolution; however, we understand some situations unfortunately can’t be resolved without additional support.
  • Does The Arc of DFW Area accept donations of clothing, furniture, or other household items?
    Thank you for considering a donation to The Arc of DFW Area. As an all-volunteer agency we are unable to collect physical donations. The Arc of DFW Area does not operate any donation centers or drop boxes.
  • Does The Arc of DFW Area host monthly dances for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities?
    The Arc of DFW Area does not host monthly dances; our primary activities focus on family support through education and advocacy. Our affiliate, The Self Determination Group, which is led by and for self advocates ages 14 and up, meets monthly to discuss opportunities for advocacy. The members of The SDG are also friends who often socialize outside of the monthly meetings, like going out to eat, bowling, or going to the movies.
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area help me find a home for a family member?
    Identifying and selecting the best housing resources for a family member or loved one can seem overwhelming. The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization and unfortunately can't directly support your search; however, Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) has extensive information to help you.
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area provide legal assistance?
    The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer agency which does not provide direct services. Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities in Texas. DRTx advocates for and helps protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to have full and equal participation in society.
  • I’m looking for summer programs for children with disabilities, can The Arc of DFW Area help?
    The Arc of DFW Area does not maintain a list of area summer programs, but Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) does maintain a list of available adaptive camps. Be An Angel (https://beanangel.org) is also a great resource for camps and financial assistance.
  • How do I apply for guardianship of my child or family member?
    Guardianship is a viable option when it’s needed, but it’s not the only option as it had been in years past. For many years, agencies, lawyers and schools have advised parents of children with disabilities to seek guardianship. Now guardianship is considered a last resort. Disability Rights Texas (https://disabilityrightstx.org) is a great resource to learn about Supported Decision Making and guardianship.
  • What Medicaid services are available in Texas for individuals with intellectual disabilities and how do I apply?
    Texas Medicaid Long-term Services and Supports Programs, or LTSS programs, assist individuals of all ages to live in the community instead of an institution. Unfortunately, services are generally not immediately available as most LTSS programs have a long waiting list because of state funding limitations. The wait time can be as long as 17-18 years for services. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) provides a Texas Medicaid Waiver Overview and details on each program.
  • What is Self-Determination?
    Self-determination “encompasses concepts such as free will, civil and human rights, freedom of choice, independence, personal agency, self-direction, and individual responsibility” (University of Illinois at Chicago National Research & Training Center, 2002).
Map of the DFW Area

WE SERVE

Areas

  • Collin

  • Dallas

  • Ellis

  • Johnson

  • Kaufman

  • Parker

  • Rockwall

  • Tarrant

  • Wise

MEMBER

Become a Self-Determination Group

We are a member-driven organization, meaning that every decision within our group is made by our members. As a member of The Self-Determination Group (SDG), you’ll automatically join Texas Advocates and gain access to exclusive benefits. Only members with disabilities, however, have full voting privileges within the organization.

 

Members of The Self Determination Group are also members of The Arc of DFW Area so there is no need to purchase multiple memberships.

How to become a member:

  • Mail-In Registration: Simply complete the membership form and mail it, along with your payment, to:



    The Self-Determination Group

    P.O. Box 14455
Haltom City, Texas 76117

 

  • Online Registration:
    For added convenience, you can join online! A small convenience fee of $1 is added to cover online processing.

Group of Members of the Self Determination Group
Couple in front of a computer making a donation

DONATION

Make a

The Arc of DFW Area was founded in 1971 and it is able to continue serving the I/DD community because of the generous support of our donors and sponsors and our history of fiscal responsibility. Your Donation supports The Arc of DFW Area, empowering people to live the life they want.

PRINCIPLES OF SELF-DETERMINATION:

S.C.A.R.F

A set of of principles which help drive self determination. An Individual with FREELY CHOSEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS has:

S

SUPPORT

The SUPPORT needed to obtain personal goals - to organize resources in a way that are life enhancing and meaningful.

SUPPORT can include:

1

PERSONNEL - both formal and informal

2

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

C

CONFIRMATION

ADVOCATE

DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS

BECOME TRAINED AS A SELF-ADVOCATE

PARTICIPATE IN COALITIONS & POLICY MAKING

Illustration - confirmation reinforces self-determination and validates choices for individuals with I/DD
Graphic illustrating how authority and decision-making empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A

AUTHORITY

The AUTHORITY to control resources available and obtain needed support and services

This includes AUTHORITY to decide WHAT, WHO, WHEN, & HOW MUCH.

R

RESPONSIBILITY

The RESPONSIBILITY to use resources wisely and yo contribute back to the community in meaningful ways through PRESENCE, EFFORTS, & GIFTS.

Responsibility promotes self-determination and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Interested in supporting us or getting involved? See information above or press this button to learn how to become a member or donate with The Self Determination Group.

F

FREEDOM

The FREEDOM to decide how someone chooses to live their life - to make choices and decisions based on PERSONAL PREFERENCES & INTERESTS.

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