7. Engage Community

7. 'Engage Community Group'

Engage all community members to own responsibility for helping to create a good life for people with disabilities.

A “good life” means having

·         a safe home

·         relationships

·         financial security (enough money to live on without worry for the future)

·         citizenship

·         learning all the time

·         independence (autonomy)

·         the right to choose (self-determination)

·         the right to get help with choices from a co-guardian or co-decision-maker.

“Big Picture” Goals

·         Develop embedded services. This means that employers, schools and other community groups would already have people who support new members with accommodations as needed. Service providers would help the embedded services or person with disabilities to smooth the way only if needed.

·         Define and create a fully-inclusive environment.

·         Change society’s attitude toward disabilities (e.g., employers, schools, clubs).

·         Engage community. Acknowledge the impact of low income. Everyone is responsible for safety.

·         Value people as whole persons, not as people with labels.

Action Plan

·         Meet once a month on Thursday afternoon, starting Thursday, September 12, 2013, 1:30 – 3:30 pm at 219 – 18 Street SE.

·         Create a “Terms of Reference” (what we will do).

·         Create a Mission Statement (what we want)

·         Identify other groups with the same goals. Link and work together with them to save time and have a stronger voice.