Implementing the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction in the Community

Abstract

The focus on self-determination across the life course in the disability field is long-standing. One of the most commonly utilized self-determination interventions is the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI). This article describes SDLMI: Community, an adaptation of SDLMI for community-based delivery to advance inclusive outcomes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to describing SDLMI: Community, we highlight the implementation catalysts and barriers of SDLMI: Community that participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their supporters (e.g., direct support professionals, family members), and trained SDLMI facilitators shared during anonymized, individual exit interviews completed by external program evaluators. We use this information on implementation catalysts and barriers to provide guidance for ongoing implementation of this research-based practice for practitioners.