Imagine What if your money was always kept in an envelope where you couldn't get it? couldn't get it? What if your only chance to be with people different from you was with your own family? What if you never got to make a decision? What if you couldn't go outside because the last time you went it rained? it rained? What if you never got to make a mistake? What if you took the wrong bus once and now you can't take another one? another one? What if you had to wear your winter coat when it rained because it was all you had? it was all you had? What if you had no privacy? What if you could do part of the grocery shopping but weren't allowed because you couldn't do all of the shopping? allowed because you couldn't do all of the shopping? What if you spent three hours every day just waiting? What if you never got a chance? From Linda Stengle's book, "Laying Community Foundations for Your Child with a Disability." for Your Child with a Disability."

“ She has everything she needs at the nursing home. What more could she want?” “It’s not safe. ” “I know what’s best for my child.” “NOTE: child is 52 years old” “I’ll always take care of/protect you.” “He can’t work. He is on SSI.” “It’s in her best interest.”

Life Happens Free men and women take risks Freedom implies the possibility of risk With every risk, there is hope of success The possibility of success outweighs the fear of failure in a system of supports that truly values every person

Managing Risk/Supports Give people permission to try Access the true cost of failure Minimize through dialogue Plan for “what if” situations Give people the opportunity to learn from mistakes. Support the person…when risk increases, so does the need for support. The Council on Quality and Leadership

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. Joshua J. Marine

Simple steps you can take.

- Consumer Control/ Self determination - Choice - Peer Relationships - Equal Opportunity and Equal Access both individually and systemically - Protection against discrimination- Individual and Systemic - Cross Disability -Advocacy – Self and Systemic -Equal Partnerships Promote

Consumer Control Gives consumers the opportunity to: - Be aware of choices - Be well informed before committing to goals - Self-reflection - Embrace their strengths/build off weaknesses - Develop achievable objectives to reach varied goals - Be aware of barriers and identify accommodations - Voice opinions & take action - To take risks

Respect and Dignity Show consideration for ValueEsteem Defer to RecognizePride

Listen Pay attention Non- judgmental Patience

Equal Partners AcceptanceRespect Level the playing field Responsible for actions Position of strength Personal responsibility

Language Person First RespectfulAcceptingUnderstandable

Bottom Line: Attitude * Preconceived notions *Accommodations vs/ *Accommodations vs/ “taking advantage of “taking advantage of * Victimization * Victimization * Balance of power * Balance of power * Rescuing * Rescuing * Open mind * Open mind * Welcoming * Welcoming