Hosted by Candace Cunningham, Candace’s Corner podcast series invites leaders across our state to talk about key issues affecting the disability community.
This season, Candace explores the history of the developmental disabilities system in Missouri.
Episode Details
Candace talks with Dave Kramer, who is chief executive officer of the Center for Human Services (CHS). He has more than 30 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kramer has worked in direct support roles and management positions.
He is active in his community and believes in giving back and helping others.
Discussion Topics
- What “deinstitutionalization” means
- Why individualized support important
- What life was historically like for people living in institutions
- Why helping people move into the community matters
- How life changes after moving into the community
- Lessons to remember when people talk about planned or group communities
Terms Used in this Episode and How They Benefit People with Disabilities
- Community Living — living in a regular neighborhood with everyone else. Community living helps people:
- Have freedom and control in their lives
- Build relationships with friends, neighbors, and coworkers
- Be respected and treated equally
- Make choices that fits their goals
- Deinstitutionalization — helping people move out of large institutions into homes in the community where the can:
- Make their own choices
- Live closer to family and friends
- Get supports based on their individual needs
- Be part of everyday community life
- Individualized supports — giving each person the help that fits their life – not a one size fits all plans. People like this because:
- Everyone has different goals
- People deserve to make their own choices
- People do better when support is built around their needs, interests, and dreams
- It helps people be independent and included
- Individualized Supported Living (ISL) — a type of support that helps people with disabilities live in their own homes or apartments in the community. People choose:
- Who they live with or to live alone,
- What their home looks like,
- What support they need to be safe, healthy, and independent.
- Support coordinator — a person who helps you get the services and supports you need. They work with you to understand your goals, find services, and make sure you get the help that fits your life by:
- Helping you make a plan for what you want in your life
- Helping you find services like housing, transportation, job help, or healthcare
- Helping you set up appointments and fill out forms
- Checking in with you to make sure your services are working well
- Helping you speak up about what you want
- Helping you solve problems if something is not going right
Organizations
- Center for Humans Services (CHS), is a non-profit organization in Missouri that helps people of all ages live better lives. Their primary services help individuals develop their skills to overcome physical, mental, and financial challenges.
- People First of Missouri is a self-advocacy organization that was formed by, is run by, and exists for people with developmental disabilities in the state of Missouri. As a non-profit organization, membership consists of local affiliated chapters and promotes equality for people with disabilities so they can live the life they want in their community.
The WeSaid at the UCEDD is a Training and Technical Assistance Center that gives people with developmental disabilities opportunities to speak up, lead and teach others.
