OHR collaborates with individuals receiving services, their support teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that each person is supported to live a dignified life in the least restrictive environment with necessary safeguards in place to mitigate any identified unreasonable risk. Additionally, OHR provides training and consultation to individuals, families, DDS staff, and service providers by clarifying and explaining the rules and regulations that affect the human rights of those receiving services from the Department.
The DDS mission emphasizes dignity and authentic community participation for people with disabilities. In this session, Pat Carney, M.Ed., explores DDS core mission values of Human Rights, Self-Determination, Person-Centeredness, and Self-Advocacy through the lens of Social Role Valorization. Participants are introduced to these concepts in accessible terms and examine how they are reflected in DDS Chapter 5 regulations, Standards to Promote Dignity. Using real-life examples, the session highlights both effective practices and areas where implementation falls short. Through discussion, presentation, and practical examples, participants identify concrete actions to bring the DDS mission to life in their daily work, analyze everyday situations through a values-based lens, and strengthen their ability to support individuals in building confidence and self-advocacy skills.
