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CareSphere will provide services built on the values, goals, expectations, and aspirations of people with disabilities and their families. CareSphere will:
A. Assure Effective Communication
Every person has an effective way to communicate in order to express choice and ensure their health and safety. All forms of communication should consider and include the individual’s language preferences and use of current technology.
B. Promote Self-Direction, Choice and Control
Personal choice and control over all aspects of life must be supported for every person. Choice about where to live, whom to live with, what to do for a living, and how to have fun all are key choices in life, as are seemingly small choices, such as what to eat, what to wear, when to wake up in the morning, and when to go to bed. It is important to be able to trust the people who provide assistance, to feel confident that they respect you and your right to manage your life, and to enjoy each other’s company.
Self-direction works when individuals have clear and understandable information, opportunities to exercise choice, and assistance with making decisions when needed. Self-direction is only possible when family, friends, and people who provide supports respect the individual’s preferences and their right to make mistakes and facilitate the implementation of the individual’s decisions.
C. Promote Health, Wellness and Safety
Promote physical and mental health, wellness, and personal safety for every individual and their family. Promoting physical and mental health means providing information about health and wellness, emotional support, and encouragement. Tools that help every individual adopt a healthy lifestyle — including good nutrition, healthy diets, physical activity, and strategies to reduce and manage stress and protect oneself from all types of abuse and exploitation — must be provided.
D. Support People with Complex Needs
People with disabilities who have both physical and behavioral health needs receive the medical treatment and supports needed throughout their lifespans. When individuals, families, and providers plan and modify supports as people’s needs change to meet these challenges, people are more able to live an everyday life. Opportunities for a full community life are dependent on adequate supports and the commitment
E. Develop and Support Qualified Staff
People with disabilities receiving services benefit when staff who support them are well trained. Values, ethics, and person-centered decision-making can be learned and used in daily practice through mentorship and training. Providing professional training that strengthens relationships and partnerships between individuals, families, and direct support professionals will improve the quality of support.
F. Simplify the System
The system of supports and funding of those supports must be as straightforward and uncomplicated as possible. This will allow for greater understanding and use of the system by everyone — most importantly the individual needing and receiving supports.
G. Improve Quality
Together we must plan and deliver services and supports that adhere to our values, measure person-centered outcomes, and continuously improve an individual’s quality of life. All stakeholders must be engaged in the process of measuring how well services assist people in achieving an everyday life.
H. Expand Options for Community Living
Expand the range of housing options in the community so all people can live where and with whom they want to live. Listening to people with disabilities and their families, providers and support coordinators will help people locate affordable and accessible housing, find housemates, and identify housing resources/supports and other government benefits that, when blended with natural supports, will promote an everyday life.
I. Increase Community Participation
Being involved in community life creates opportunities for new experiences and interests, the potential to develop friendships, and the ability to make a contribution to the community. An interdependent life, where people with and without disabilities are connected, enriches all of our lives.
J. Provide Community Services to Everyone
Some people with disabilities — whether living on their own, with families, or in institutions — are waiting for community services. The goal is to build a system that has the capacity to provide services in a timely fashion for all people who need supports.
K. Evaluate Future Innovations Based on Everyday Lives Principles
Future consideration of service models and reimbursement strategies must be based on the principles of person-centered planning, individual choice, control over who provides services and where, and full engagement in community life. Innovative approaches should be evaluated based on the recommendations of Everyday Lives, including employment, recognizing and supporting the role of families, and meeting the diverse needs of all individuals. Stakeholders should be fully engaged in designing, implementing, and monitoring the outcomes and effectiveness of innovative service models and service delivery systems.
L. Promote Racial Equity
Communities are richer, more just, and stronger when we honor and respect the whole of racial diversity. Access to a quality, person-centered, culturally competent system of supports and funding must be equally available regardless of race. Services must include planning over a lifespan and address racial disparities, including outcomes. The duty to ensure that racial diversity is promoted and supported, at all levels within the services system, must be embraced.