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The DMRS Vision, Mission, and Values (described in the Introduction) support the fundamental right and need of individuals with disabilities to control their own destinies. The involvement of families or guardians, while necessary and important, can pose challenges in how these rights and needs are met.
Many individuals that DMRS serves can speak for themselves or otherwise communicate their needs and desires. When these needs and desires conflict with what the family or guardian wants for the individual, then every effort should be made to resolve disagreements. The Independent Support Coordinator, if one is involved with the individual, can help work out differences between the person and his/her family or guardian. Sometimes an advocate is involved or can be called upon to work with the individual and the family or guardian.
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Also challenging are situations where the individual with disabilities has difficulty communicating his or her wants and needs. Sometimes the individual lacks the knowledge or experience to make an informed choice. For that reason, individuals (and family members) should be given opportunities to learn about or experience choice options first hand. This is especially true when family or guardian have to interpret the preferences of the individual with disabilities.
As parents and family members, we naturally feel that our first responsibility is to protect and assure the safety and health of our family members. This priority may be challenged by choices our loved ones might make about where they live and what they do. Balancing these safety concerns with the individual's right and need for self-determination is never easy. With adequate planning and supports, the risk of harm can be minimized.
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