The ability of individuals with disabilities to make choices and become self-determining has become a major focus of services, research, and policy in the field of disability. One aspect of policy which has been largely overlooked in issues of choice and self-determination is the physical environment. In this article we examine policy underscoring the importance of choice and self-determination in the lives of children with disabilities, particularly pertaining to the physical environment. We examine the research as it relates to self-determination in the physical environment for children. Four pieces of legislation are examined to identify the opportunities that are created through the legislation for choice and self-determination for children with disabilities. The four pieces of legislation examined include: the Americans with Disabilities Act; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Fair Housing Amendments Act; and Rehabilitation Act. These laws increase the likelihood that children with disabilities will attain quality of life through greater freedom and choices in their home, school and community environments.
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