Inclusion is defined as an act of including or
to be included in something (Hewitt, 2014). Since the start of the
deinstitutionalization process for people with disabilities began, we now see
more sense of the terminology of ‘community’. It references society’s and
government policies that have evolved over time and the way people are now
thinking about people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Community is now a term that refers to individuals with disabilities having a
choice as to where they live in the community and who they live with, working
in real jobs earning real wages versus sheltered workshop programs, as well as
being connected to people, friends, family, and having intimate relationships
(Hewitt, 2014). Instead of just living in the community and being restricted to
accessing certain areas because of the limitations of their disability, these
individuals are using the positive areas, working to improve areas that are
challenging for them, and making their own choices and taking their own risks
in life, as we all do (Hewitt, 2014).
Another challenge to individuals with disabilities and
their families is the process, which stating is complex can be a huge understatement.
Services and the way to access services is almost impossible to navigate for
individuals with disabilities and their families (Hewitt, 2014). While there
has been evolution in programs, services, and supports offered, families and
individuals are taken off guard as to how to access these services (Hewitt,
2014). Many states now offer an assigned person to assist the individual and
their families with navigating the system in order to access the services.
References
Hewitt, A. (2014).
Presidential Address, 2014—Embracing complexity: Community inclusion,
participation, and citizenship. Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities, 52(6), 475-
495.
doi:10.1352/1934-9556-52.6.475
Comments
Post a Comment