Self Determination

un security council

UN Security Council Resolution Vote to Protect People with Disabilities in Conflict and War

UN Security Council Resolution 2745

This is an appropriate time to revisit UN Resolution 2745, passed and adopted on June 20, 2019. With the war in Ukraine raging on as well as in past and future worldwide conflicts, we hear so little about the rights of people with disabilities and their humanitarian needs.

The Polish response on June 26, 2019, to the resolution, summarizes the main goals of this very overlooked issue. Speaking after the adoption, Joanna Wronecka (Poland) welcomed the Council’s strong support for the first-ever resolution on “this important but often overlooked” issue.  She noted that, since the beginning of negotiations, Council members have had three main goals. the first goal is strengthening data‑collection and reporting on persons with disabilities in conflict. The second goal is building capacity and knowledge on the rights of persons with disabilities among peacebuilders and peacekeepers. The third goal is empowering persons with disabilities in conflict and post-conflict situations.  Joanna Wroncka expressed hope that the resolution will bring significant changes for persons with disabilities, ensuring they will no longer be left behind.

The purpose of this blog entry is to address the humanitarian needs of people with disabilities in conflict and war zones.

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two roads between trees

Self Determination and Financial Planning for the Future

Key concepts in special needs planning.


Self determination theory for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is an outcome of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. This video is important because Karrie Shogren, Phd presents the theory and implementation in very simple language. Studies show the theory in practice, leads to better outcomes including, independent living, work, community relatedness and financial betterment. After watching the short video, parents, siblings and people with disabilities will be able to explain the answers to the following questions:

  • What is self determination?
  • Why is self determination essential for planning for the future?
  • Who benefits from self determination?
  • Where can a person implement self determination?
  • When should a person and the important people around them begin self determination?


Listen to Karrie Shogren, Phd talk about the who, what, where, when and why to self determination .

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You have to laugh with Josh Blue

An Incredibly funny stand up comedian.


Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. 

Critics have said Josh is not a cerebral palsy comic; he’s a comic who happens to have cerebral palsy. However, his closest friends describe him as “a d-bag.”

Check out this video.

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