Individual Rights and Choices

Lesson 1: Overview of Individual Rights

The DSP is able to locate the bill of rights displayed in the agency or by the employer for whom he/she works.
The DSP is able to clearly explain these rights and takes the opportunity to do so as needed for the people he/she supports.
The DSP shares information with the people s/he supports whenever a change in supports of treatment occurs.
The DSP supports the people s/he works for to exercise their own rights.
The DSP supports the individuals s/he supports to manage their own financial affairs to the greatest extent possible.
The DSP takes every measure to protect both the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals he or she supports.
The DSP can name the procedures within the agency in which he or she works that protect that privacy and confidentiality.
The DSP refrains from asking a person s/he supports to do personal work that is for their benefit and personal gain.

Lesson 2: Overcoming a Past of Barriers and Restrictions

Lists some of the violations of human rights for people with disabilities that occurred in the past. Can give examples of how lives of people with disabilities might have looked 40 years ago as opposed to today especially in relationship to expression of rights.
Recognizes all rights restrictions (even those authorized by guardians or service providers) and works with the person to have the greatest expression of rights possible. Encourages choice, decision-making, skill-building and advocacy as possible in daily practice.
Names key pieces of federal legislation that helped people with disabilities exercise their civil rights. Educates people and their families regarding rights as needed and appropriate. Supports advocacy when laws are not followed.
Identifies some systemic barriers at his or her workplace or societal barriers in the communities of people he or she supports. Helps people supported exercise rights (such as supporting a person in voting, attending college or vocational training, or being a self-advocate).

Lesson 3: Restrictions of Individual Rights

The DSP understands and can state what the role of a guardian entails and respects the rights of the individuals s/he supports to make all decisions that they are able to make on their own.
State the types of guardianship any person s/he supports has and what decisions each type allows the guardian to make on behalf of their ward
Understands that all individuals have the right to take risks and does all that is necessary to ensure all individuals they support have the opportunity to take reasonable risks in their lives.
Consistently and conscientiously attempts to balance a person�s right to take risks with the potential for harm.

Lesson 4: Your Role in Supporting Expression or Rights and Facilitating Choice-Making

The DSP takes advantage of "teachable moments" to explain rights to persons he or she supports about rights the person may not know, understand, or express.
The DSP teaches choice-making to the people he or she supports and uses the choice-making process to do so (e.g. identify a situation where a choice is needed, gather information about the situation, identify options, identify consequences of each option, choose a preferred option, act on the decision, and evaluate the outcome).
The DSP finds new situations throughout the day to offer choices and facilitate choice-making in the lives of the people he or she supports.
The DSP is creative in supporting people to develop new options and opportunities in their own lives.
The DSP models responsible behavior in exercising their own rights and allowing others to exercise their rights.
The DSP uses conflict management skills to teach individuals receiving supports how to act responsibly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to exercise their rights.