CHOICE
People have the right to choose their lifestyles, their careers, where they live and with whom. When people need help, it is friends & family closest to them who assist them in broadening their experience and exercising their right to choose. It is essential that each person has a network of support chosen by them.
RELATIONSHIPS
The relationships a person has with others are like precious gems and should be treated in that way. A relationship must be treasured, protected, and nurtured. Those with whom the individual has real relationships provide strength, assistance, and security which ensure each person’s well being.
DREAMING
All people have hopes and dreams which guide the actions that are most meaningful to them. A commitment to helping people determine their dreams, respecting those dreams, and helping them work toward realizing those dreams is crucial.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
As people take on greater control and authority over their lives and resources, they also assume greater responsibility for their decisions and actions. Professionals and staff work for the individual rather than for the system. Families, friends, and staff assist people to create meaningful relationships, link them with needed supports, remove barriers, develop safety networks, and help make dreams come true…...while never forgetting who is in charge. Whose life is it? |
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DIGNITY AND RESPECT
All people have an inherent right to treated with dignity and to be respected be as a whole person. Most of life’s greatest lessons are learned when we make choices that we later realize were mistakes. People have the right to own his or her successes as well as to learn from their mistakes. People have the right to the dignity of risk.
CONTROL
People have the power to make decisions and truly control their lives. This includes authority over financial resources as well as the authority to determine what their supports will be and to hire the people who provide that support.
CONTRIBUTION & COMMUNITY
Everyone has the ability to contribute to their community in a meaningful way. Giving of ourselves helps us establish a sense of belonging and identity. Community membership includes having an opportunity to be employed, to have your own home, to be truly involved in the routines of the community and to make a difference in the lives of others.
FISCAL CONSERVATISM
When people have choice & control, they purchase supports in a way that facilitates getting what they need and paying only for what they get. They can make real investments, spend money more efficiently, and make adjustments to their paid supports as their needs change It is important that alternatives to supports be explored and included in support plans. |
The
Arc of Meriden-Wallingford will assist its people in identifying their goals and dreams through:
individualized person centered planning, 