Self-determination for people with intellectual disabilities has been the subject of much recent attention. In this study, self-determination initiatives were described through the history of some social movements including independent living movements and self-help movements of people with disabilities in the U.S. Three theoretical perspectives on self-determination were identified in the literature: psycho-educational, ecological, and socio-political, leaving some controversies on the conceptualization and the measurement of the concept. Specific self-determination competencies, personal characteristics and environmental variables were found to be associated with self-determination of people with intellectual disabilities. Future direction for research and practice includes the specification of the environmental factors affecting the experience of self-determination of people with intellectual disabilities, some ethical issues on the practice of self-determination, and some issues regarding self-determination practice designed to change service system or legislation.
Key words: Self-determination, People with intellectual disabilities.