What We Want From Residential Services [PDF]

A PRESENTATION BY – PEOPLE-FIRST OF WASHINGTON AND KING COUNTY PEOPLE FIRST

Presenters: DIANNE CAMPBELL, DENNIS CAMPBELL, KEITH DESROSSIER, TERRIE ERWIN, JOSH JOSL IN, LAURA LEE, GINNY SELLMAN

John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien

Oct. 1985 People First of Washington

This. Presentation is based on two seminars conducted by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle with People First members and other·self-advocates. The first seminar, entitled, ‘Evaluating Programs’ was held on August 6, 1983, with twenty-one People First. of Washington Members. The second seminar, ‘ entitled’ Speaking Up and Speaking Out to Make Services Better, was held on July 25, 1984, ·with one hundred self-advocates who were attending the International Self-Advocacy Leadership Con­ference in Tacoma, Washington . The results of these two seminars have been shared with and endorsed by People FJrst Members across Washington State.

You will notice that most of the things that People First Members want from residential programs do not require more money, new laws rules or regulations.
The things that People First Members want from residential programs require that DDD, and residential program administrators and staff see people with disabilities as valuable and competent people. The things that People First Members want from residential programs require that DDD and and residential program staff assist people with disabilities with respect and dignity and in a way that promotes and incourages individual choices. The things that People First Members want from residential programs requires that DDD and residential staff assist people with disabilities to have a wide variety of experiences to learn from in developing indepen­ence. The things that People First Members want from residential programs requires that people with disabilities are present and participate in the community and in all parts of the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of others.