This paper presents thoughts resulting from review of proposals by state developmental disabilities authorities, submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that were designs for change initiatives in self-determination systems. These reflections on the use of service money and the provision of supports to people with developmental disabilities are organized into several logic diagrams on which the proposals appear to be based, all of which suggest the limits and contradictions involved in implementing the concept of self-determination. One approach sees self-determination as an agreement between the individual (who agrees to certain responsibilities) and the administrative service system (which agrees to corresponding services). A second logic diagram sees the initiative in terms of six interacting core processes, four of which are managed directly by the service system and two influenced by, but outside of, the direct control of service workers and agency managers by the initiative's values. A third logic diagram shows self-determination as a solution to a variety of service system problems related either to providing services for people with developmental disabilities or to making the best use of public funds. The next logic diagram focuses on outcomes, either increased consumer satisfaction or better use of public funds. Other issues addressed include the expanding service capacity and use of natural supports to replace paid services. Finally, several models of overall project design are discerned in the proposals. (DB)