Global-Report-Living-Colour-dr2-2

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Inclusive Communities = Stronger Communities
GLOBAL REPORT ON ARTICLE 19: THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMUNITY
Choice
Choice, in the context of living and being included in the
community, is about having housing options and support
options that meet an individual’s vision for living and
being included in the community and being supported in
making decisions about those options. Recognizing we all
have realities that restrict and define our housing options
such our financial means, location, etc., we know that
options cannot be open ended. Choices for everyone are
shaped by socio-economic, cultural and geo-political
realities. However real choice is only
possible when we have a voice and
control in our own lives and when the
options available to us are the same as
options available to others in our
community. It is about ensuring that
adults with intellectual disabilities have
the same options and choices as adults
without intellectual disabilities to live
and be included in their communities.
For some people with intellectual
disabilities this may mean living alone
or with friends; for others this may
mean living with family. What matters
is that the choice is reflective of the
individual’s preference and not
restricted by a lack of options and/or
supports.
Families and self-advocates may need support to develop
a vision of possible options and/or to think beyond what is
currently available. Governments need to invest in
ensuring that housing options and supports are available
and delivered in ways that are responsive to and reflective
of the vision that people with intellectual disabilities have
about living and being included in the community
To be able to make a real choice about where and with
whom one lives a person needs: