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Written by Bill Shiers, Director of Arc of
Washington County Adapted by Peggy Cooper
If space is the final frontier, for many of our fellow citizens,
community may be the first frontier. Daily, many of our fellow
citizens with mental retardation and developmental disabilities
are denied the opportunity to explore this life enhancing first
frontier. This frontier is more than just a place.
A community is made up of people who work together on a
face-to-face basis in public life, not just in private, where
people associate with one another.
Many people with mental retardation are excluded from: formal
associations with names (like Rotary, Lions Club, etc.) and
elected officers; informal associations where people gather to
solve problems, socialize, or celebrate together; and, place
related associations where people gather and associate in
businesses or other enterprises.
Independent Support Coordinators (ISC) accepted the role of
helping persons with mental retardation live ordinary lives in the
community. Central to this role are three principles that guide
ISC supports. Top of next column |
1. Seek services and supports consistent with people's desires
to enable them to live in their own homes, attend neighborhood
schools, work, continue their education, and contribute to their
community, in line with their wishes.
2. Work with individuals so they understand that reciprocity is
part of our culture, assisting people in finding ways to "give
back" to their community.
3. Help people see and interact with the "community"
in its largest sense...community is everywhere and includes
everyone.
There are many faces of community for persons with mental
retardation beyond group homes and sheltered workshops. Services
and supports should be consistent with their choices and desires.
They have the right to live in ordinary homes, with friends or
mates, contribute to ordinary jobs, and experience the rich web of
associations in the community.
The ISC's role is to help people make choices that reflect their
desires for community association and find and create
opportunities that match their personality, wants and needs.
There are other frontiers to conquer. And who knows, space may
not be the final frontier |
