At CLS, Self-Determination is viewed fundamentally as FREEDOM and an extension of the civil rights of every American citizen.  CLS has taken a position, from the wording of our Mission and Vision Statements, to the Board of Directors’ policymaking, to all levels of leadership, and to the organizational structure itself, that the principles of Self-Determination are to guide each and every decision and expenditure made on behalf of people with disabilities.  CLS has fully immersed itself in the essential core values of Freedom, Authority, Support, Responsibility, and Confirmation (the importance of the role of Self-Advocacy and Advocacy organizations) as everyday direction in the way we carry out our responsibilities of supporting people to enjoy full lives within their communities.

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Self-Advocacy in Action!

"Self-determination means I am free, living my life the way I want to and having the help I need to reach my goals..."	"I am a businessman. I have my own shredding business and I love it! When I get some free time, I love tinkering around with old cars. It's so much fun!"	"I am an advocate and want to help people. I travel to Lansing and talk with legislators about important issues to me and my friends."	"I am a motivational speaker. I love to talk to people about what freedom means to me. It's all about choice and making sure I'm getting what I need to live my life as I choose."

We approach our provision of support with the mindset of assuring that the funds being entrusted to us provide the greatest value possible with direct societal outcomes and in the most equitable manner possible.

What self-determination is NOT…

It is NOT a program

• Does NOT give someone else control
• Limited options
• Reducing supports & services
• A barrier to what people want
• The same old way of doing things

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Person-Centered Planning
As guaranteed by the Michigan Mental Health Code, Person-Centered Planning is an ongoing process which involves you and your circle of support. You meet at least once a year to develop your Personal Plan. This plan reflects your wants and needs and serves as a communication tool and training guide for caregivers. During the Person-Centered Planning meeting, many details will be discussed such as where you want to live and with whom, what your dreams and goals are and how to get involved in the community.  Once the meeting is finished, everyone involved should have a clear understanding of what you would like to do with your future. 

You, with the help of a Personal Agent, decide who will attend each Person-Centered Planning meeting and what information will be openly discussed. This assures that sensitive or confidential issues are not brought up in an open meeting. This should be a group of people who know and care about you and are committed to assisting you in your vision of the future, learning together and inventing new courses of action to make your vision a reality.

Before you schedule your meeting, you can choose the option of having an independent facilitator conduct the meeting. An independent facilitator is hired by you to help guide your Person-Centered Planning meeting. They will make sure your concerns, goals and dreams are discussed and will put a plan in place for your success.  If you do not to choose an independent facilitator, you can lead the meeting yourself or choose someone from your support circle to help with writing down all important points and making sure everyone understands your goals and dreams. 

The people providing supports are trained on the plan specifics because they will be responsible for putting it into action.  You will also be responsible for making your plan work for you.

Your Personal Plan is sent to you, your chosen representative, if appropriate, and kept in the Central Records Department at CLS, Inc.  If you would like to look at this record, you may do so by contacting your Personal Agent or their supervisor.

You and your support circle will decide how often your Personal Agent will review your plan progress. The review will be documented and shared with you. You can change your plan if desired or needed or request a meeting with your support circle at anytime. If you, or your chosen representative, disagree with something in the final Personal Plan, you have the right to appeal.