Dignity & Respect

People with disabilities deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We believe that people with disabilities are people first and we support “people-first” language and language that avoids labeling or demeaning characterizations. We believe that all people with developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value and are equal before the law. We believe specifically that people deserve the dignity of risk—the right to try and fail as well as to try and succeed. There is a learning value in failure as well as success. We believe specifically that people deserve positive supports delivered in the least restrictive manner possible. We reject any procedure or practice that is dehumanizing or that may cause physical or psychological harm.