All
people, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity for a full life in
their community where they can live, learn, work, and play alongside each other
through all stages of life. People
with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities need varying
degrees of support to reach personal goals and establish a sense of satisfaction
with their lives.
Aging.
Many
people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities who are
aging deserve the same opportunities to enjoy full lives in their communities as
other older people. They are
entitled to community support, including help from those agencies that serve the
needs of all senior citizens.
Behavioral
Supports. People with mental
retardation and related developmental disabilities should have access to
behavioral supports that are individually designed, positive, help them learn
new skills, provide alternatives to challenging behaviors, offer opportunities
for choice and social integration, and allow for environmental modifications.
Early
Intervention. All quality early
intervention supports and services must be available, affordable, appropriate,
accountable, and accessible for all children with developmental delays as well
as those with already-identified mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities to maximize their social, physical, emotional, and intellectual
development.
Education.
A Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) must be provided in
inclusive settings with peers of the same age and include individualized
supports to all students with mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities to prepare them to participate in our democratic society.
Employment.
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities can
be competitively employed in their communities.
They should be supported to make informed choices about their work and
careers and have the resources to seek, obtain, and be successful in integrated
community employment.
Family
Support. Most people with mental
retardation and related developmental disabilities need the support of their
families, communities, and government to develop to their fullest potential.
Family support must be expanded to strengthen the capacity of family
members to support each other at home.
Healthcare.
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities
must have dependable, high quality health care in the community and affordable,
comprehensive health insurance.
Housing.
All people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities
have a right to live in communities of their choosing and be fully included with
people who do not have disabilities. Children
belong with their families. Adults
should control where and with whom they live, with increasing opportunities to
rent or buy their own homes.
Sexuality.
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities,
like all people, have inherent sexual rights and basic human needs.
These rights and needs must be affirmed, defended, and respected.
Spirituality. People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities have the right to choose their own expressions of spirituality, to practice those beliefs and expressions, and to participate in the religious community of their choice or other spiritual activities. The person also has a right to choose not to participate in religious or spiritual activity. Transportation. People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities must have access to both public and private transportation to lead full, independent lives.
