Advocacy groups provide an extraordinary stable of support for individuals with I/DD. By engaging communities, advocates work tirelessly to improve public perception and drive beneficial policies at the local, state, and national levels. Their achievements have realized greater equality and an enhanced quality of life for millions of Americans.

The Spark Initiative, developed by Optum®, brings together experts from government, nonprofit and private sectors to spark new thinking on major health and human service issues. This report focuses on individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and is one of a series of four Spark white papers on this topic.

Its purpose is to discuss the benefits and challenges of “self-determination” and “self-direction” for individuals with I/DD and their families. It also outlines how both of these ideas can lead to greater fulfillment of an individual’s vision for a good life.

To find out more about the ways Optum® and Spark Initiative members are helping individuals with I/DD lead a self-directed life, visit https://www.optum.com/resources/library/spark.html.