Washington State advocates are taking the lead once again. After meeting with Washington State Allies in Advocacy, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer entered the Proclamation for the Dignity and Rights for all Human Beings into the Congressional Record.
In his address to the Speaker, Rep. Kilmer states:
"I was pleased to meet with individuals from my region and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council about important issues concerning people with developmental disabilities.I support their advocacy effort for people with developmental disabilities and programs that support them. The Washington State Allies in Advocacy has issued a Proclamation for the Dignity and Rights for all Human Beings and I am honored to submit a copy."
As the saying goes, Change is made by those who show up. Hats off to this group of committed advocates for showing up and being counted.
To view the proclamation, visit the Allies in Advocacy Proclamation page.
To add your name, or your organization's name, to the list of signatures, click here.
Allies in Advocacy website is just http://www.alliesinadvocacy.com without the dev on the end
ReplyDeleteA new group called Washington Allies in Advocacy recently published “A Proclamation for the Dignity and Rights of All Human Beings.” This was circulated to advocates and legislators by the Spokane County Parent’s Coalition. As a legal guardian, parent and healthcare professional I am very concerned about documents such as this.
ReplyDeleteSelf-Advocacy is important yet self-advocacy which tends to proclaim they speak for all people with developmental/intellectual disabilities is dangerous and irresponsible.
“WE BELIEVE and AFFIRM that all human beings have the right to live free from the oppression of:” followed by a whole list of issues which these self-advocates feel oppress them. This may be the case for the few people who are in this group but it is far from the case for a great majority of our most vulnerable citizens.
This group does not appreciate help and support, maybe they do not need extra supports? I know many, many people who do need extra “special” supports in order to live a quality of life that honors the individual’s human dignity with respect. Needing “special” supports in no way diminishes the person’s human dignity but uplifts and respects it. We want people to succeed!
Maybe the few in this group can live an autonomous life, manage their own money, mange the daily activities of living, and manage their healthcare without “special” supports. In my experience I see that many people with intellectual disabilities do need “special” supports – without them they would perish a miserable death.
I wonder if this group understands that many people intellectual disabilities are abused. Many of these “special” supports help protect these individuals from abuse and neglect and I for one am very happy and willing to provide these needed supports. Why would they advocate against these supports?
I wonder if this group understands that many people intellectual disabilities are abused. Many of these “special” supports help protect these individuals from abuse and neglect and I for one am very happy and willing to provide these needed supports. Why would they advocate to not have “special” supports? Why would they not advocate for protection? At what point are “special” supports “oppression?”
The proclamation ends with “WHEREAS all of the above rights are recognized, honored and practiced, we endeavor to create and uphold opportunities to:
Respect each other, even in conflict. (Italics, underline and bold are added by this author)
Yes, please, let’s honor and respect our differences – this is what makes our community so rich but please do not force your choices on the lives of others.