AAMR/ARC Position Statements
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY
All people, regardless
of disability, deserve the opportunity for a full life in their
community where they can live, learn, work, and play alongside
each other through all stages of life. People with mental retardation
and related developmental disabilities need varying degrees
of support to reach personal goals and establish a sense of
satisfaction with their lives.
Aging
Many people with mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities who are aging deserve the same opportunities to
enjoy full lives in their communities as other older people.
They are entitled to community support, including help from
those agencies that serve the needs of all senior citizens.
Behavioral Supports
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities
should have access to behavioral supports that are individually
designed, positive, help them learn new skills, provide alternatives
to challenging behaviors, offer opportunities for choice and
social integration, and allow for environmental modifications.
Early Intervention
All quality early intervention supports and services must be
available, affordable, appropriate, accountable, and accessible
for all children with developmental delays as well as those
with already-identified mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities to maximize their social, physical, emotional,
and intellectual development.
Education
A Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) must be provided
in inclusive settings with peers of the same age and include
individualized supports to all students with mental retardation
and related developmental disabilities to prepare them to participate
in our democratic society.
Employment
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities
can be competitively employed in their communities. They should
be supported to make informed choices about their work and careers
and have the resources to seek, obtain, and be successful in
integrated community employment.
Family Support
Most people with mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities need the support of their families, communities,
and government to develop to their fullest potential. Family
support must be expanded to strengthen the capacity of family
members to support each other at home.
Healthcare
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities
must have dependable, high quality health care in the community
and affordable, comprehensive health insurance.
Housing
All people with mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities have a right to live in communities of their choosing
and be fully included with people who do not have disabilities.
Children belong with their families. Adults should control where
and with whom they live, with increasing opportunities to rent
or buy their own homes.
Individual Supports
Individual supports, such as assistive technology and personal
assistance, make it possible for all people with mental retardation
and related developmental disabilities to function in daily
life.
Sexuality
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities,
like all people, have inherent sexual rights and basic human
needs. These rights and needs must be affirmed, defended, and
respected.
Spirituality
People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities
have the right to choose their own expressions of spirituality,
to practice those beliefs and expressions, and to participate
in the religious community of their choice or other spiritual
activities. The person also has a right to choose not to participate
in religious or spiritual activity.
Transportation
People with mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities must have access to both public and private transportation
to lead full, independent lives.
Adopted: The Arc, Congress of Delegates, November 9, 2002
AAMR Board of Directors, May 28, 2002
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