About Us

I’m Determined has officially become an independent center headquartered at James Madison University. With this change, we now have more resources, staff, and capacity to support youth, educators, and families.

I’m Determined was created as a state-directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education. The project supports youth, especially those with disabilities, in moving from passive to active participation in their lives by developing and strengthening self-determined behaviors. Through direct instruction, models, and meaningful opportunities to practice, I’m Determined equips young people to lead their own lives—supported by families, educators, and communities who practice self-determination and create environments that fit individual needs and build on personal strengths.

Much of our work comes from research around three psychological needs: Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness (CAR). We have found that when a person can experience high levels of CAR, it opens up greater opportunities to experience high levels of self-determination and well-being. The I’m Determined Elements add skills, abilities, and beliefs that can be practiced in the educational and home environment.