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In order to make this change, we need a clear vision of the future.
The keys to this vision are:
Children with disabilities should live with families.
Services, supports and funding that match the needs and wants of
each individual, rather than a "continuum" of cookie-cutter options.
Eligibility should be based upon the individual's needs and not
labels. Start from the ground up in designing services and supports
to fit the person. Do not make the person conform to existing service
arrays. Eliminate the "slot"
mentality.
The opportunity for people with lifelong disabilities to have
dreams and the chance to achieve them. An individual with
disabilities can begin to form a vision of his or her future once he
or she has a life that makes sense. It is hard to have a vision of
the future when you live in a controlled environment where you have
little opportunity to make life-shaping decisions.
An emphasis throughout all levels of the service delivery system on achieving
meaningful individual outcomes. Individuals with disabilities should
be involved in monitoring the quality of services and supports that
are provided. People closest to those in need of supports should be
empowered to help them realize their personal goals.
Independence and productivity are highly valued outcomes for all
consumers. Public policy and funding should be directed toward
getting rid of barriers to achieving such outcomes.
We can learn how everybody wants to live, even individuals who are
physically incapable of verbalizing their own needs and aspirations.
We should focus on how people want to live, not where.
Severity of disability is not a barrier to giving people control
over how they live their lives.
The human capacity to throw this new model into disarray is virtually
unlimited; we should be aware of such pitfalls and prepare to take
corrective action, when necessary.
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