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3. System Benefits
The purpose of the disability support system is to serve people, not to maintain institutional services. This section addresses the personal outcomes/benefits that are expected in a system that is consistent with inclusion, participation and citizenship.
As citizens, people with developmental disabilities have the right to associate with whom they choose. People with disabilities have the right to choose what they want to do with their lives. Funders and service providers have no right to decide with whom and under what circumstances people with disabilities spend their time and lives.
People must have choice. Choice means the person makes the choice. It is not a response to a restricted offering by a third party. Having only one option – “this program or nothing, take it or leave it” -- means having no choice. Choice, in the current system, is a virtually meaningless concept. True choice means creating the best fit between what an individual needs and what is provided in response.
Choice means that segregation and congregation are not forced upon people. There are two ways that such exile is forced. First, the segregated option is the only choice offered. Second, in order for one person to have a segregated service, many others are required to participate. The choices of one individual should not impose or limit choices on others.
Key issues
- People have choice
- People enjoy self-determination: they are in control of decisions that affect their lives
- Portability: people can move, people can change service providers, people can take action to realize their dreams
- Self-directed: people have the option of self-directing their personal support system
- The support system is as flexible as can be, as requested by the individual or family
- People are supported to have lives enriched by friendships
- People have living arrangements that are typical and valued …all citizens access to home of their own.
- People have adequate, reliable, and consistent supports
- People have fair access to supports
- People experience speedy responses to requests for supports
- People have the benefit of effective complaint and appeal mechanisms
- Family involvement is welcomed and promoted
- People’s supports fit their personal plans for personal goals, post secondary education, job training, transportation, etc.
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