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Inclusive Communities = Stronger Communities
GLOBAL REPORT ON ARTICLE 19: THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMUNITY
Conclusion
ACHIEVING THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND BE INCLUDED in
the community for people with intellectual disabilities
presents a multi-dimensional and complex challenge for a
range of actors including families, educators, employers,
community stakeholders, governments and people with
intellectual disabilities themselves. If we examine the key
findings from consultations with self-advocates and
families, what emerges is a roadmap for public policy
which will lead the process for change in our communities.
Key Findings and Policy Recommendations:
‰ The majority of people with intellectual
disabilities have no voice or control in the
decisions about where and with whom they live.
Recognition of the right of each person to make
decisions about their own lives will require change in
legislation, societal attitudes and the role of families.
It is tempting to assume that legislative reform alone
will achieve this shift. However, to ensure that real
change happens in people’s lives, several other
important investments need to be made. First,
families and people with intellectual disabilities need
support to develop personal support networks in
their daily lives which will enable adults with
intellectual disabilities to express their voice and
exercise control in their lives. This support can be
developed through investment in self-advocacy and
support to family based organizations and training for
families. Second, supported decision making
structures and processes need to be developed. While
some models of supported decision making are being
tested in different jurisdictions, there are only a few
examples internationally of these models being
recognized in law.