Position Statements ODDC has used its philosophy to create more complete statements about issues affecting people with developmental disabilities. Recent federal and state legislation has dealt with some but not all-of the issues. Abuse and Neglect All children and adults have legal, civil, and human rights, and federal, state and local governments have laws intended to respect and protect these rights. We support an environment free from all forms of physical and mental abuse, negligent treatment, maltreatment and exploitation. Aging As individuals age they may require additional supports and services to maintain independence, productivity and health. All individuals regardless of age or disability deserve these supports and services. Challenging Behavior Persons with challenging behaviors can best be served in small integrated settings where comprehensive plans can be developed based on their individual needs, and that use technology and adaptations to the environment when necessary. Civil Rights Our laws provide that people with developmental and other disabilities should have the same rights as other members of our society. Appropriate services and supports for exercising civil and legal rights must be available, accessible and understandable to individuals with developmental disabilities, and the individuals must be provided the information to use these services successfully. Community Presence and Participation (Informal Supports) People develop networks of informal supports (families, friends, neighbors and peer groups) through their involvement in the community (e.g. church, work, school, leisure activities) where they cultivate friendships, resolve problems, obtain assistance, and acquire a sense of belonging. People with developmental and other disabilities must be encouraged and supported to live interdependently as active community participants providing and receiving informal supports. Early Intervention Early intervention begins with early and regular prenatal care. All children have the right to access health care and to live in an environment that encourages optimal growth and development. Families can access service coordination support and are able to identify needs and make informed choices concerning early intervention services for their infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Practical experience and child development research show that early intervention profoundly affects the physical, emotional, social, and educational outcomes of children with developmental disabilities. Ohio should have a quality, coordinated, comprehensive system of early intervention that includes health care, education and family support. Education Inclusion is a value and the underlying philosophy by which all students with and without disabilities are educated together in supportive settings - learning, playing and working with students their own age in the same schools and classrooms attended by their brothers, sisters and neighbors. Regardless of individual needs, students are provided the necessary and appropriately trained and supported staff, as well as, the necessary and appropriate related services and supports, including technical supports as specified in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) or other educational plans. Employment and Income Often, Ohioans with developmental and other disabilities are in low-paying, part-time jobs and do not receive the same benefits as other workers. Yet, they stand in jeopardy of losing Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Income. Every person with a developmental disability has the right to equal access to productive employment in a vocation they have chosen, receive wages and benefits on par with those people without disabilities and move into management positions when qualified, without the fear of losing benefits and other rights. Workers must have access to necessary supports to be successful, including but not limited to adapting the workplace, having accessible public transportation, or hiring a support person. Formal Supports for Individuals and Their Families People with developmental and other disabilities and their families often need services and supports beyond what their informal supports provide to participate meaningfully in community life. Formal services must be available in a variety of settings to promote and support the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. Communities must provide their citizens with disabilities and their families with the services and opportunities they need and want. Health People with developmental and other disabilities are discriminated against in health care programs, such as Medicaid and high-risk pools, because many providers will not accept Medicaid payments for services, and people are charged higher premiums for insurance in high-risk pools. All citizens have a right to comprehensive health care services that are unrestricted by financial barriers. They have a right to equitable access of affordable and appropriate health care regardless of geography, income, age, gender, or cultural background. Housing People with developmental and other disabilities must have accessible affordable housing available that meets their individual needs. They must have the same housing opportunities and choices available to them as their peers without disabilities. Individualized Funding for Residential and Family Support Services Funding from federal, state or local sources should not jeopardize the fundamental right of children and adults with disabilities to live in a family which is safe, nurturing, permanent, and adequately supported. The aforementioned funding sources must provide Ohioans with disabilities and their families with the services, supports and opportunities they need and want which are efficient and cost-effective, and which promote the autonomy of the family and the individuality of the child or adult. Assessment tools used to determine funding levels that assure comparable services must make a distinction between, and account for, natural, informal supports provided by family members and those types of formal services provided by the service system. People with disabilities and their families should not be penalized for receiving informal supports that maximize their inclusion in community life. Preventing Developmental Disabilities There are more than 200 known causes of developmental disabilities. Many disabilities can be prevented or their effects can be lessened, through public awareness and education. Public awareness education should be comprehensive in nature. At the very least, it should include: 1. Pre-conceptual and prenatal influences: Encourage women of childbearing-age to receive relevant information and support regarding chronic diseases and associated health care in order to make informed decisions about childbearing. Encourage early and regular prenatal care. Discourage the use of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and substances, both prior to conception and during pregnancy. Discourage adolescent pregnancy. 2. Parenting education: Encourage training in techniques for CPR and preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 3. Childhood/adolescent injury: Encourage safety training in the major causes of injury - motor vehicle accidents, fires/burns, drowning, choking, poisoning and falls. Encourage training about shaken baby syndrome, age appropriate toys, and the hazards of baby walkers. 4. Childhood screenings for health and well being: Encourage infants to be appropriately identified and referred for early intervention services. Encourage comprehensive preventive health care including all childhood immunizations. Encourage early identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Encourage home visits. Self-Determination* Self-determination is a human right. Self-determination is a means by which individuals with developmental and other disabilities and their families, who are eligible for services, are empowered to gain control over the selection of individual services, or supports, that meet their unique needs. Self-determination is not built around particular services or programs. Rather, self-determination is an approach to service delivery with the individual with disabilities designating what kind of life activities are desired and what kinds of help are needed in order to attain his/her goals within the community. They are assisted by a "circle of support," usually consisting of family, friends and selected professionals. The goal of self-determination is that people with disabilities and their families can create opportunities for themselves as participants in the social and economic communities in which they live. *From: Beyond Managed Care: An Owner's Manual for Self-Determination, September 1997, by Public Consulting Group, Inc., Boston MA and Donald Shumway and Thomas Nerney, Concord NH. Systems Coordination People with developmental and other disabilities and their families have a right to receive the services and supports they need. The system of services and supports must be coordinated to reduce fragmentation, duplication and barriers that prevent efficient and effective delivery of needed supports and services. People with disabilities and their families have a right to be actively involved with service programs as equal partners in deciding the services and supports they will receive. Transportation Currently, many people with developmental and other disabilities are dependent upon an inadequate public transportation system. Freedom of movement is essential in enabling all citizens to live as independently as they choose; to engage in productive self-sustaining activity; and most importantly, to be fully integrated within their communities. All people should have access to available public transportation. Withholding Medical Treatment (Baby Doe) | Home | About Us | Calendar of Events | Grants and NOFAs | Links | Publications and Products | Site Map | What's New | |