Disablity Awareness I believe persons with disabilities are entitled to equal rights and responsibilities. I embrace the self-determination movement in North Carolina. Because of my commitment I worked to: Include 600 more cap slots in this year's budget Increase funds for expanded transportation services I will continue working towards: Making sure people with disabilities can stay in their own homes through inclusion in the Homestead Act. Transportation services for the disabled in every county in the state. Ensuring that all schools, polling places, universities and government buildings are accessible. Improving special education programs from grade school through college. Increasing state support for respite care. I want to create effective programs to allow the disabled to live full and productive lives. By supporting and passing the self determination resolution we are one step ahead. Self-Determination Resolution: For the Full Citizenship of People with Developmental Disabilities Whereas, self-determination means “people and families are entitled to the freedom, authority, and support to control, direct, and manage their own services, supports, and funding;” and “individuals and families have the right to select their own services and supports as well as decide how and by whom supports are provided;” and, Whereas, self-determination means “people and families must have meaningful leadership roles at all levels;” and “it is crucial that government, providers, and community organizations welcome, listen to and collaborate with people and families in solving problems, making decisions, and pursuing excellence;” and, Whereas, self-determination means “people with developmental disabilities want to and can make valuable contributions to their communities;” and “there must be supports that assist people to make a difference...to have real jobs, earn money, or run their own businesses;” and, Whereas, it is estimated that there are more than 104,7322 North Carolinians with developmental disabilities who are eligible to vote in upcoming elections; and, Whereas, people with developmental disabilities in North Carolina are still living in restrictive environments such as state Mental Retardation Centers, group homes, and nursing homes without full access to their communities; and, Whereas, 1,9623 people with developmental disabilities are living in North Carolina’s Mental Retardation Centers, which is 43% above the national average4 and the 2001 comprehensive study of North Carolina’s developmental disabilities services recommended that North Carolina should reduce the number of people living in its Mental Retardation Centers by 50% by 20074; and, Whereas, ADA regulations state “a public entity shall administer services, programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities” 5 and “a public entity shall make reasonable modifications in its policies, practices, or procedures when modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination, unless…modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service program or activity;” and, Whereas, the Olmstead Decision provided by the Supreme Court said the standards would be met if the state has a comprehensive, effectively working plan for people with developmental disabilities to be in the community and a waiting list that moves at a reasonable pace, not controlled by the state; and, Whereas the North Carolina State Plan 2001 directs in its guiding principles that “services should be provided in the most integrated community setting suitable to the needs and preferences of the individual and planned in partnership with the consumer;” and, Whereas, people with developmental disabilities still need sufficient transportation, housing, medical services, and person-centered supports; and, Whereas, people with developmental disabilities still need access and full participation in their communities including grocery stores, communities of faith, hospitals, libraries, restaurants, places of employment, and government offices; Now, therefore be it resolved that North Carolinians with developmental disabilities, their families, and other concerned citizens request that the state of North Carolina by an act of the General Assembly embrace self-determination by supporting people with developmental disabilities to choose where they live, work, and play as full citizens in their communities. It's just the right thing to do. Senator Ellie Kinnaird Paid for by Ellie Kinnaird for Senate • PO Box 668, Carrboro, NC 27510 • 919-929-1607 •