1. Article 19 - independent living model supports for people with psychosocial disabilities
Tina Minkowitz
COSP 2017

2. Characteristics Independent living / Peer support
Doing it for ourselves
Self-definition of needs, tasks, desirability of support, choice of supporters
Development of community knowledge
Self-determination
Instructing and directing supporters
Social model not medical model
Descriptive not diagnostic
Wide-ranging, creative, inventive (e.g. yoga, pub, shamanism, 12 steps for people of conscience)
Different kind of skill and training
Nonprofessional or professionals who set aside training

3. Rights-based mainstreamed Article 19 legislation
US Disability Integration Act, S.910
Project on model law of inclusion for 3 jurisdictions: Korea, Japan, Taiwan
DIA features of interest:
Enforceable individual right to choose community-based long-term support services, instead of institutionalization
Includes ‘emergent and intermittent needs’
Mainstreams needs and assistance typical for people with psychosocial disabilities, among others
Community-based is defined to be free from coercion and restriction
Obligation on public entities to ensure supply of affordable housing delinked from services

4. DIA continued DIA limitations
Not an explicit repeal of coercive powers in mental health legislation
Access to services depends on ‘eligibility’ for institutionalization
Some medical model features in description of needs and tasks
Depends on implementing regulations and court interpretation (opportunity/uncertainty)

5. Relationship with mental health services?
Are support needs in psychosocial disability the same as mental health needs?
How do we define mental health?
Is mental health objective and subject to professional evaluation?
Is mental health or psychosocial well-being an dimension of life or a field circumscribed by professional disciplines?
What should the relationship of mental health services be to Article 19?
How can we simultaneously
Transform mental health services to comply with CRPD and take in insights from IL/PS/social model, and
Open space for creative, wide-ranging, self-defined supports designed by people with psychosocial disabilities?