New Camp Request Deadline
Please note that the due date for camp requests from our Charitable Residual program has been moved up to APRIL 15, 2025. Please get your applications for camp requests completed timely to ensure you meet the application deadline!
Throughout my 28 years in the human service field, I have heard terms like “choice,” “control,” and person-centered” presented to people with disabilities. Many times, the understanding of the terms by stakeholders (including program leaders) was reflective of the current culture, compliance standards, and personal beliefs that existed during that time. The terms, however, can have negative consequences when misused. When misused, “choice” can be presented as, “It’s your choice,” used as a last resort phrase used when all redirections from an undesired behavior have failed. “He chose a sheltered workshop” sounded a lot different than “She or he was placed in a program where people with disabilities are segregated and devalued based on their eligibility.” There were occurrences where I have witnessed human service workers using choice as a “natural consequence.” The result leads to some type of negative outcome or service added to a plan.