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Upholding Dignity: How We All Champion the Rights and Freedoms of Every Person

Every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and have their rights and freedoms honored. This belief is not just a principle at Harrell Homes Assisted Living; it's the foundation of everything we do. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, actively upholding these rights is especially critical, as historical biases and societal barriers have often limited their opportunities and voices. So, how can each of us, as individuals and as a community, ensure that everyone's rights and freedoms are not just acknowledged, but truly celebrated?

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What "Rights and Freedoms" Means for Everyone

At its core, honoring rights and freedoms means:

  • The Right to Self-Determination: The ability to make choices about one's own life, big or small. This could range from choosing what to wear to deciding on personal goals.

  • The Right to be Treated with Respect: Being valued for who you are, free from discrimination, prejudice, or belittlement.

  • The Right to Inclusion: Having equal opportunities to participate in community life, education, employment, and social activities.

  • The Right to Safety and Security: Living free from harm, abuse, or neglect, in an environment that fosters well-being.

  • The Right to Express Oneself: Having the freedom to communicate thoughts, feelings, and needs, and to have those expressions heard and acknowledged.


How Everyone Can Champion These Rights

For Individuals Without Disabilities:

  1. Educate Yourself: Learn about intellectual disabilities, autism, and the unique challenges and strengths of individuals in these communities. Understanding dispels myths and reduces prejudice.

  2. Practice Inclusive Language: Use person-first language ("person with an intellectual disability" instead of "an intellectually disabled person"). Avoid derogatory terms or outdated labels.

  3. Listen Actively: When interacting with someone with an intellectual disability, give them your full attention. Allow them time to communicate, and be patient if they use alternative methods of expression.

  4. Advocate for Accessibility: Support initiatives that make public spaces, events, and information accessible to all. This includes physical ramps, sensory-friendly environments, and clear, simple communication.

  5. Promote Inclusion: Seek out opportunities to include individuals with intellectual disabilities in social activities, community groups, or volunteer efforts. True inclusion means active participation, not just presence.


For Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (with Support):

  1. Learn Self-Advocacy: With guidance from caregivers and support staff, individuals can learn to express their needs, wants, and preferences. This might involve using simple phrases, visual aids, or communication devices.

  2. Make Choices: Practice making choices in daily life, from what to eat for a meal to what activity to participate in. This builds confidence and a sense of control.

  3. Understand Their Rights: Through simplified explanations and examples, individuals can learn about their basic rights, helping them to recognize when they are being respected—or not.

  4. Participate in Community: Engage in local activities, volunteer, or join clubs. Active participation helps to normalize interactions and builds a sense of belonging.

  5. Build Social Connections: Form friendships and relationships with peers, both with and without disabilities. These connections are vital for emotional well-being and a sense of shared humanity.


The Caregiver's Role: A Bridge to Freedom

Caregivers play an indispensable role in upholding rights and freedoms. They act as advocates, educators, and facilitators, ensuring that the individuals they support:

  • Have their voices heard and their choices respected.

  • They are protected from harm and exploitation.

  • They are provided with opportunities for growth, learning, and community engagement.

  • They are supported in developing self-advocacy skills.


At Harrell Homes Assisted Living, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where these principles are lived out every day. We believe that by working together—caregivers, community members, and individuals themselves—we can create a world where the rights and freedoms of every person are not just acknowledged, but truly honored and celebrated.


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