Book excerpt: In this thesis I argue that in contemporary Oregon, the policies and design of group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities emphasizes an ineffective conception of autonomy, and this emphasis should be shifted to provide better opportunities for the growth of individuals both within the homes and in their communities. The traditional philosophical conception of autonomy with which I am concerned emphasizes individual choice, rationality, and individual independence. Within the group home setting, this emphasis was originally intended to respond to the vulnerabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. However, the traditional understanding of autonomy is ineffective and ironically it often denies individuals with disabilities a chance at personal growth. I argue that by shifting the focus towards what I call a "habitual" conception of autonomy, we can respond to the concerns that the current understanding of autonomy is attempting to address, without falling into the same pitfalls that the traditional conception of autonomy confronts.