John McNaught

The I’m Determined Center is a state-directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education. We focus on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior. This project facilitates youth, especially those with disabilities, to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remaining the silent passenger. Much of our work comes from research around three psychological needs: Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness (CAR). We have found that when a person can experience high levels of CAR, it opens up greater opportunities to experience high levels of self-determination and well-being. The I’m Determined Elements add skills, abilities, and beliefs that can be practiced in the educational and home environment.