Cheers to More Rights and Self-Determination For All Ability Levels

I learned in 2019 about a program in California called "Self Determination Program" that was signed into law in October of 2013 and is being implemented now. Below are some of the highlights as described by the Director of Developmental Services:

(Below from this Website Source: https://www.dds.ca.gov/SDP/)
A MESSAGE FROM FORMER DIRECTOR, SANTI J. ROGERS, DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
All individuals, regardless of ability, have the right to access the basic elements that make-up a good life, beginning with: family, independence, personal responsibility, and freedom of choice. The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act builds upon these basic fundamentals so that all individuals have the right to live their lives as they choose.

Similarly, the principles of Self-Determination include:

1. Freedom to exercise the same rights as all citizens; to establish, with freely chosen supports, family and friends, where they want to live, with whom they want to live, how their time will be occupied, and who supports them;
2. Authority to control a budget in order to purchase services and supports of their choosing;
3. Support, including the ability to arrange resources and personnel, which will allow flexibility to live in the community of their choice;
3. Responsibility, which includes the opportunity to take responsibility for making decisions in their own lives and accept a valued role in their community, and
4. Confirmation, in making decisions in their own lives by designing and operating the service that they rely on.

I like how on the site they mention how everyone deserves - "a good life" which is one of those philosophical areas that the oldest thinkers had opined about and each of us do personally. So glad that resources are being placed in this important area.

Here's to everyone's 2019 being filled with raised expectations and high hopes for all - of all ability levels. I'm happy to be part of it next year.