An important aspect of advocating for individuals with disabilities is understanding ableism and how to eliminate it. Ableism<\/a> is defined as \u201ca set of beliefs or practices that devalue and discriminate against people with physical, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities.\u201d These beliefs may exist, whether intentional or not. It is essential to recognize the impact of ableism and to better support people with disabilities to promote complete inclusion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Just like the rest of us, people with developmental disabilities are complex individuals. We have our own stories, fears, and dreams. Just as it would be unfair to judge a person by their height or weight, people don\u2019t want to be judged by their disabilities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We can get to know a person with disabilities by simply asking questions or engaging in small talk. Examples are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You\u2019ll likely find that you have a lot in common. This might open the door to more in-depth conversation about things like family, concerns, or life goals. Seeing the person and the disability demonstrates that you care, <\/em>which is a powerful benefit. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It\u2019s often helpful to learn some general information about the disability to more clearly understand how the condition might affect someone’s daily function. By learning more about the individual and listening, you can form quality relationships and determine the best ways to provide support.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We\u2019ve all had that sinking feeling when we’re trying to talk about something important, but the listener is distracted. Active listening is an important practice. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To truly engage in active listening, we should\u00a0show genuine interest in what’s\u00a0being said by doing the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sometimes, the person may have a difficult time communicating, either because of a related physical impairment or because they are feeling upset or anxious. It\u2019s particularly important to be patient and to ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understand what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Supporting people with disabilities involves being\u00a0completely respectful of decisions about day-to-day life. This includes when to shower, who to spend time with, and what to eat. It\u2019s also critical to honor major life choices such as where to live and work, healthcare, and legal matters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sometimes, the supported person may request assistance in helping to make decisions. This is where supportive decision-making comes in. In these cases, you can help\u00a0by doing the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As in life, mistakes happen.\u00a0It\u2019s important to help your loved one problem-solve through those rough patches, provide encouragement,\u00a0and celebrate whatever they learn from the experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Imagine what it might be like, as you are excitedly arriving at the movie theater with your pals, and you can\u2019t get up the stairs because you use a wheelchair. Frustrating, right? People with physical disabilities experience mobility issues on a daily basis. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act has greatly increased the existence of ramps, elevators, etc., it\u2019s extremely beneficial if you, as a family member, friend, or co-worker, notify managers of any accessibility problems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Technological advances have spurred the development of countless types of equipment to allow people with disabilities to function safely and independently in the home. Just a few of these are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sometimes, well-meaning family members or co-workers\u00a0can affect an individual\u2019s autonomy by doing things for the person supported that they are fully capable of doing themselves. Except when safety is a concern, we advise you to\u00a0wait until she\/he requests assistance. This allows people the opportunity\u00a0to\u00a0take control of the situation and make their own judgements.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Self-determination is described as being able to make choices based on preferences, beliefs, and abilities. According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, self-determination is a right.\u00a0It emphasizes control over the following life choices:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n When someone is able to be autonomous and determine their own future, they are better prepared to remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Independence and individualism don\u2019t necessarily mean \u2018going it alone\u2019 without help from others. It also means developing skills in self-direction, which is the ability to design an individualized plan for the kind of assistance necessary to achieve goals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Self-direction allows people to put their own ideas into action. For example, someone may wish to move into their own home, get a job, attend college, or increase their social participation. In order to achieve such goals, they might need assistance in the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n An individual who has abilities in self-direction designs their own scheduling of support people, directs needs, and makes decisions on hiring and firing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Thankfully, more and more people who have developmental and intellectual disabilities are able to live in their own home and participate in local community activities. Much of this progress is due to individuals with disabilities who actively advocate for themselves. Thanks to the hard work and determination of self-advocates, major strides have been made in supported employment<\/a>, community inclusion<\/a>, and many other areas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The best descriptions of self-advocacy come from those with disabilities themselves:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Research has shown that self-advocacy can lead to several positive self-identities, such as being an independent person, being an expert, and being a business-like person (that is, working as an active contributor to a group process).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n According to the World Health Organization, people with various types of disabilities\u00a0regularly experience the following types of discrimination:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some may hesitate to be supportive of people with disabilities for various reasons: \u00a0lack of time, fear of ridicule, or not fully realizing how they can help. It\u2019s important to support individuals with disabilities and work towards an inclusive society.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There are many ways that you can be an advocate for equality and community inclusion:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We currently live in a society in which individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not fully appreciated and included as valued members of a community. The World Health Organization emphasizes that we need to let go of the stereotypes and empathize with the unique experiences of people with all types of disabilities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Russel L. is a motivational speaker, poet, and advocate for people with autism and behavioral health disorders, has this guidance for us:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cMy advice for families and caregivers would be, first and foremost, to listen to the needs and passions of the individual. Support and love them unconditionally and implement strategies to help assist them down the road of success, with them leading the way.\u201d \u2013 Russell L . (Page 6)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1. See the Individual and the Disability<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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2. Engage in Active Listening<\/h3>\r\n
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3. Respect Rights in Decision-Making<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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4. Promote Accessibility in Your Home and Local Community\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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5. Respect Needs for Autonomy and Self-Determination<\/h3>\r\n
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6. Support Self-Direction<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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7. Celebrate and Support Self-Advocacy<\/h3>\r\n
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8. Advocate for Disability Inclusivity and Fight Against Discrimination<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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A Better World for All of Us<\/h3>\r\n
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