CHAPTER 1: SUPPORT WORK: THE FUNDAMENTALS

Guiding principles for support work state that people with disabilities have rights that relate to

1. citizenship, through freedom from discrimination
2. individual control, through involvement in decisions related to their lives
3. equality and human rights, through the benefits and protection of the law
4. universal design, through barrier-free environments.

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”

In the past, people with disabilities were rejected, laughed at, and even put to death. Today, disability services emphasize the importance of including people with disabilities in communities. Social role valorization encourages communities to provide normal living, education, and employment opportunities whenever possible. Rosa’s Law requires that the term mental retardation is replaced with the term intellectual disability.

Caregivers who support individuals with disabilities, particularly caregivers who are employed as direct support workers, are expected to be competent and able to work with others to

1. assess the strengths and needs of clients
2. plan and provide services
3. link to resources
4. advocate
5. record information and write reports
6. demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour
7. tailor support requirements in relation to unique requirements of clients