VOR Issues Statement in Opposition to The Community Imperative

The Voice, Summer 2005 

The VOR Board Speaks

In January 2004, the VOR voted in support of two principles relating to choice in residential settings:

“We, as a society, should provide necessary services and supports that an individual with a disability needs in order to have the best quality of life, as defined by that individual, or where appropriate, his/her family/guardian/conservator.”

“In fulfillment of fundamental human rights and in securing optimum developmental opportunities, all people, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, should be able to live where they choose.”

VOR does not support the Community Imperative

The conclusion of the Community Imperative -- that no one requires institutional care -- does not logically follow from its stated principles. VOR embraces the principle that all people, regardless of disability, have fundamental moral and constitutional rights. All people are inherently valuable, can grow and develop. We submit, however, that choice in a full array of residential settings best fosters individual development, happiness and overall good outcomes.

Conclusion

VOR cannot offer its support to The Community Imperative because it is directly counter to VOR’s strongly held position in support of choice. In addition, the Community Imperative’s conclusion does not logically flow from the “domains.”

The Community Imperative is endorsed by and forms the basis for the community or nothing position held by some national, state and local organizations. It attempts to put forth arguments supporting its premise that no one needs (nor presumably ever will want) facility-based supports. The Community Imperative is an insult to America’s long-standing efforts to assist those who cannot provide for themselves.

VOR’s Mission and activities are aimed at ensuring individuals with mental retardation and their families benefit from the opportunity to choose quality residential supports that best accommodate individual need.

VOR * 836 S. Arlington Heights Rd., #351 * Elk Grove Village, Illinois * 60007

877-399-4VOR ph. * 847-258-5273 fax * tamie327@hotmail.com