Module 6: Vision for a Brighter Future
- Robert Kennedy
As you've learned in the past four modules, the history of people with developmental disabilities is complex and often disturbing. While change was slow, sometimes almost nonexistent, it did occur.
The tragic, dehumanizing conditions created by thousands of years of ignorance, fear, isolation and exploitation have given way to hope, dignity, respect and inclusion. Today, people with developmental disabilities live, learn and work in a more inclusive society.
Much of this progress is due to people who faced the barriers that kept people with disabilities from participating in society and found ways to go over, around and under them. They persisted, despite seemingly insurmountable opposition from society, professionals, even the families of other people with disabilities.
As always, however, there is room for improvement. The momentum is building. Change must continue and it is up to people like you - people with developmental disabilities, families, friends, neighbors, educators, employers, legislators and professional service providers - to keep it going.
The final module in the course will focus on creating a brighter future for all people with developmental disabilities. It also will take you through a process for creating a personal vision for your future. You'll also identify some of the steps needed to begin making that vision a reality.
A future without limits, where equality and acceptance is expected will be created by a new generation of people who are willing to take action, who have the courage to ask "why not?" and who will take an active role in developing solutions. Are you one of them?
What You'll Learn
In Module 5, you'll explore some of the elements that experts consider essential to a bright future. You will learn:
- About technology's unlimited potential to open new opportunities for the future, as well as some of the technology resources available to people with disabilities, families, teachers and employers.
- How to create a personal vision using a simple, easy-to-follow process.
- About person-centered planning and how it works.
- How Partners in Policymaking graduates and faculty envision the future of housing, learning, working, living and leading for people with developmental disabilities.
- How to create your own vision and goals for each of these areas.
- How you will be changed by change.
- About some of the resources available to help you on the journey.
Are you ready to start writing history? Great! Then let's get started!