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The self-determination
movement makes it possible for people with Down syndrome
to have greater control over all aspects of their lives.
Self-determination is built on the core principles of
freedom, authority, support and responsibility for all
people with disabilities.
| 1. |
Freedom,
the exercise of the same rights as all citizens:
to establish where they want to live, with
whom, and how they will use their time. |
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| 2. |
Authority,
the control over sums of money needed for
one's support: development of an individual
budget which "moves" with the person. |
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| 3. |
Support,
the organization of these resources as determined
by the person with Down syndrome and his or
her allies: contracting for specific tasks
for which one needs assistance. |
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| 4. |
Responsibility,
the wise use of public dollars; includes the
obligation of people with Down syndrome to
contribute to their communities in meaningful
ways. |
People with Down syndrome have the right to:
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Be treated as individuals; |
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Not to be discriminated against
at work or in the community; |
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Make informed choices about
their lives including where to live, with
whom to socialize and live, and where to work;
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Have opportunities for socialization
within the community; |
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Have the necessary support
to enable them to make responsible choices;
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Speak and be listened to; |
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Have access to community services
and education; |
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Have privacy to spend time
as they wish; |
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Be safe; and |
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Grow into responsible
adults. |
While opportunities and services for people with
Down syndrome have continued to expanded, this often
occurs within the context of a service agency, group
living or school environment. The existing "systems"
need to focus on changes that enable people with
Down syndrome to be fully included in the life of
the community. This can only occur through inclusion
and self-determination.
The National Down Syndrome Congress and the National
Down Syndrome Society fully support self-determination
for all people with Down syndrome, and agree to
make self-determination a major priority in each
of our organizations.
Please quote fully and reference National Down Syndrome
Congress.
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