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Our nation must empower and support all people with developmental
disabilities to realize their own vision for their lives. To accomplish
this, families, friends, allies, communities, provider agencies, professionals,
advocates and government must work together to do whatever it takes to
enable each individual to realize her/his unique vision. This will only
happen when we put people with developmental disabilities first and support
them one-person-at-a-time.
Person-centered supports are for everyone.
Principles
| The fundamental principles of person-centered
supports are . . . |
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Each person shall have the authority to define and
pursue his or her own vision. Person-centered supports start with
listening to the person and honoring each person's vision. The individual's
vision must be honored, respected and supported. The goal must be
to promote each person's empowerment, dignity and positive self-image.
People should be able to do what they want,
when they want, with whom they want and as often as they want."
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Self-determination is a must. People and families
are entitled to the freedom, authority and support to control, direct
and manage their own services, supports and funding. Individuals and
families have the right to select their own services and supports
as well as decide how and by whom supports are provided. |
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Personal relationships and community membership
are valued. It is absolutely vital to promote the inclusion, presence
and participation in community life for all individuals, at all
ages and across all dimensions of life. People must be supported
in their social and spiritual life, friendships, and intimate relationships.
"Self-Determination turns the system up-side
down and puts people with disabilities at the top. It changes the
way things are done so that we have choice and control." - Gail
Bottoms
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All networks and systems of support must collaborate
in support of the person's vision. Families, neighbors, friends, coworkers,
and classmates play important roles in the lives of people with developmental
disabilities. These rich, vibrant networks of support connect people
to their communities. Public systems must work hand-in-hand with these
networks in supporting individuals. |
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People and families must participate as valued and
empowered partners in all decision-making. People and families must
have meaningful leadership roles at all levels. It is crucial that
government, providers, and community organizations welcome, listen
to and collaborate with people and families in solving problems,
making decisions, and pursuing excellence.
"People who have control need to become listeners."
- John Jordan
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Individuals must have supports to contribute to their
communities and engage in meaningful work. People with developmental
disabilities want to and can make valuable contributions to their
communities. There must be supports that assist people to make a difference.
Youth and adults must be supported to have real jobs, earn money or
run their own businesses. |
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Families are supported and valued. Families support
people with developmental disabilities of all ages. Support networks
must partner with families and offer critical services that not
only address the needs of the family member with a disability but
also support and strengthen the family itself. The unique needs
and preferences of each family shall be acknowledged, respected
and accommodated.
"Families know their family members better than
anyone."
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All people and families must have access to supports
when and as they need them. Every individual must have easy and timely
access to vital services and supports in order to achieve his or her
personal vision and enjoy quality of life. There will be energetic
outreach to all our nation's diverse communities so that they can
access supports on their own terms. |
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The personal security and well being of people must
be ensured. People must be secure in their own lives. They must not
be exposed to neglect, abuse or exploitation. They must have high
quality health care. Ensuring the personal security and well being
must not sacrifice the right of individuals to live everyday lives
of their choosing in the community, exercise choice and pursue their
dreams and aspirations. |
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There must be a resolute, continuous
commitment to achieve excellence in all dimensions of supporting individuals
and families. High quality services enable people to realize their
vision. Excellence in person-centered supports demands a strong, sustained
commitment to securing and maintaining a high quality workforce, ongoing
training and education, and continuous quality improvement. Individuals
and families are essential partners in promoting excellence. |
Continue...
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