The Big Leap – One Agenda
The advances of the last century consistent with supporting people to live meaningful lives in the community are significant. In many ways, however, they are still add-ons to old systems and ways of thinking. Two competing systems continue. The challenge is to take the big leap and consolidate resources behind one agenda.
The last decades of the 20th Century saw many advances in line with this new way of thinking. Institutions started closing at impressive rates. More and more children experienced an inclusive education. Young people without disabilities no longer grew up and went to school in a world without people with disabilities. More and more families were supported to stay together, rather than be split apart because of the lack of support. People were supported to not only have homes of their own, but to own homes of their own. More and more people with more challenging support needs were supported to work in the community and to make significant contributions to community life.
I have one daughter who does not have a disability and a son who does. The interesting thing is that we are just living a typical life. We just got rid of therapy and got on with living a typical life. He plays softball, he's in Cub Scouts, and he's involved in church. He's involved in typical nine year old stuff. I don't want anything different for him than I do for my daughter… It is not difficult. It is liberating.
Tracy Rao, Parent, Alabama