How have traditional models historically disempowered individuals with disabilities?

The selection of limiting opportunities for self-determination accurately reflects a significant critique of traditional models concerning individuals with disabilities. Historically, many of these models have placed constraints on the autonomy and decision-making power of individuals. By doing so, they often portrayed individuals with disabilities as incapable of making their own choices about their lives, thereby sidelining their preferences, aspirations, and unique perspectives. This paternalistic approach has resulted in systems that dictated the lives of individuals rather than involving them as active participants in their own care and decision-making processes.

In contrast, empowering models focus on person-centered planning, which emphasizes the importance of self-determination and recognizes the individual's right to make choices about their own life. Such an approach not only respects the dignity of individuals but also acknowledges their ability to lead fulfilling lives based on their choices. Hence, the historical limitation placed on self-determination has contributed to a broader narrative of disempowerment within traditional frameworks.