It's human nature to want a life that reflects your personal interests, preferences, skills, abilities and dreams. We all want to be part of the world around us, not watching from the sidelines.
A full life is a complicated puzzle with many different pieces. Together, these many elements form a whole, complete picture. If even a single piece is missing, too small or just plain doesn't fit, the picture is incomplete. It isn't finished.
A meaningful life is created when many pieces fit together. These pieces include:
| Family and Friends | Family and friends are at the center of a good life. Everyone needs people to share the good times with and to support him or her in challenging times. Family and friends aren't the same as paid assistants. |
| Social Opportunities |
A full life offers opportunities to be part of the community. This includes:
- Recreation - Sporting events, movies, shopping, athletic competitions, etc.
- Lifelong Learning - Community education programs, arts and crafts, volunteer opportunities and other ways to add skills and learn new things.
- Spiritual Growth - Religious faith and faith communities offer opportunities to join with others who share a specific belief.
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| Affordable, Accessible Housing | Where you live, who you live with and the types of supports you need to live independently are all pieces of a full life. People with developmental disabilities should only accept housing solutions that fit their needs and preferences. |
| Employment Opportunities | In our society, people define themselves by what they do...by the activities that allow them to contribute to their communities, including paid employment. People with developmental disabilities want and deserve to work at jobs that are satisfying, pay a competitive wage and help build a career. |
| Efficient Transportation | Access to efficient, affordable transportation often shapes the type of community, housing and employment opportunities available to people with developmental disabilities. |
| Proper Supports | Access to appropriate supports is important to a family's ability to be a family – to stay together, do all of the things that families do, and be actively involved in the neighborhoods and communities in which they live.
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Copyright © 2006. The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. All rights reserved.
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