If you read me, you know I promised to break down the new letter from Liberators4Justice asking all to sign a recommitment letter to the Independent Living Movement. I want to talk about the third part of the recommitment letter, Choice, Control & Community Supported Self-Determination.

The big bullets are:

• Civil Rights & Disability Justice
• Disability Leadership and Staffing
• Choice, Control & Community Supported Self-Determination
• Advocacy
• Deinstitutionalization
• Non-Conflicted Services
• Financial Equity and Integration
• Respect & Empathy

Let’s talk about the third bullet, Choice, Control & Community Supported Self-Determination

The letter says the following:

“CHOICE, CONTROL & COMMUNITY SUPPORTED SELF-DETERMINATION We understand that people with disabilities know what is best for themselves, that they can benefit and grow from discussing their needs, concerns and decisions with people who’ve had similar experiences. To this end we commit to supporting disabled people in having full agency over their lives. We commit to promoting the social model that sees it as society’s responsibility to ensure that all people with disabilities are able to exercise their choices and control as they see fit. Accordingly, we strongly oppose the medical model that has historically segregated and oppressed our disabled community. We commit to promoting least restrictive options for all supports, which includes advancing alternatives to guardianship to ensure the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. (Consider adopting language from The National Council on Independent Living’s “Guardianship Position Statement.”)”

Here, we are focusing on the fact that people with lived experience are the best messengers for equity. And when we people like us doing things, we know we can too. Not only do they come to the table with expertise, but quite frankly a vested interest in the success of the organization.

With some help from AI (thanks ChatGPT), here are some talking points that can make it easier to understand what this means to all of us.

Talking Points

• Independence through Choice:
  • Emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting individuals’ autonomy in making decisions about their own lives.
  • Highlight that offering a range of options allows individuals to make choices that align with their unique needs, preferences, and aspirations.
  • Discuss how choice fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
• Enhancing Control and Agency:
  • Stress the significance of individuals having control over their own lives, including decisions related to daily activities, healthcare, employment, and living arrangements.
  • Explain that promoting self-determination involves providing the necessary support and resources for individuals to exercise their autonomy effectively.
  • Share examples of how technology, adaptive equipment, and personalized support services can enhance individuals’ sense of control and independence.
• Building Supportive Communities:
  • Highlight the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments where individuals with disabilities are valued members of the community.
  • Discuss the role of community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and grassroots initiatives in promoting social inclusion and combating stigma and discrimination.
  • Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize community integration, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of disability.
• Fostering Self-Determination Skills:
  • Emphasize the importance of developing self-advocacy, decision-making, problem-solving, and goal-setting skills among individuals with disabilities.
  • Discuss the role of education, training, and mentorship programs teaching individuals to advocate for their rights, navigate systems and services, and pursue their personal and professional aspirations.
  • Highlight the value of peer support networks and mentorship opportunities in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the disability community.
• Addressing Systemic Barriers and Disparities:
  • Acknowledge the systemic barriers and inequalities that limit the ability of individuals with disabilities to exercise choice, control, and self-determination.
  • Advocate for policy reforms and systemic changes to address issues such as inaccessible infrastructure, discriminatory practices, lack of affordable housing, limited employment opportunities, and inadequate support services.
  • Stress the importance of intersectional approaches that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities from marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with low-income backgrounds.

We can promote a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to live with dignity, autonomy, and full participation in their communities. And when I say we, I mean all of us. We are all responsible to make the world the best place for everyone in it. And remembering that equal rights for one group does NOT diminish the equal rights of another.

The letter to commit to standing behind and reigniting the Independent Living Movement is still taking sign-ons. You can find the full letter here and make the choice to sign on if you wish. Go to the letter and signature page of the IL Movement Recommitment Letter.

Want to talk about it? Reach out to The Information Tamer.