Last day at IASSIDD… first blog post? ???????????

Today’s keynote presented by the National Involvement Network was amazing. The chance to listen to self advocates for disability rights was so valuable and the best way to cap off this week at IASSIDD. 

The work being done by the charter network is all inspiring. I enjoyed listening to their personal stories that went along with each of the points made in the charter. There was a quote in one of the videos that stood out to me. – “I work at McDonald’s and I love my job”

This was important to hear. This individual LOVES his job at MCDONALDS. (So controversial to some other things that I heard in talks this week about quality of life)

“well, it’s a job at McDonald’s… we should help him do something more…” 

^ that is just us pushing our societal norms on these people. He loves his job and it’s his choice to work there. THIS is self determination. He has decided that this is what he wants to do. Everyone should have the right to decide their own happiness!

The work being done by the charter network helps to negate the pushing of values by caretakers and service providers. This was one of the best talks that I attended all week and I am excited to bring their book home with me!

(Also, earlier in the week I witnessed  a women approach a presenter from TILL who spoke about her independent living situation. This women ignorantly argued with the presenter and claiming that her living situation was not “independent living” because it was not the same as hers. I was so mad. This women failed to recognize that we all define our own independence. Someone may need to be reminded to take their pills and still feel as though they are living independently.)

This conference was amazing. Had a great time.

-Liam Eagen