Developmental Disabilities Shared Vision
Alaskans share a vision of a flexible system in which each person directs their own supports, based on their strengths and abilities, toward a meaningful life in their home, their job and their community. Our vision includes supported families, professional staff and services available throughout the state now and into the future.
Shared Vision Statement for the Developmental Disability System in Alaska
Priority #1
Every person directs their own supports: Based on his or her strengths and abilities, the person receiving services will decide when, who and how services are provided. Families and other team members will help with supported decision making so that the person can direct services as much as they are able. This includes a commitment to making services available in the community where the person chooses to live as well as honoring the family's role in the lives of children receiving services.
Priority #2
Services will support lives with meaning: Our system helps people create lives with meaning, purpose, and inclusion as well as respecting individual choices. This will look different for each person. Opportunities for meaningful relationships and natural supports are highly valued. As Alaskans, we will support the diversity of cultures of people receiving services in our state.
Priority #3
Our system values the role of direct support professionals: Direct support professionals will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform job duties. This includes access to education and supportive supervision. A good direct support professional is engaged and assists the person to lead a meaningful self-directed life which includes helping the person develop and maintain a variety of respectful and authentic relationships.
Priority #4
Our system is flexible and simple: Our system is responsive to needs and preferences throughout life. It is as simple and clear as possible, so individuals and families understand how to get their needs met. Information is available in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. Also, the person understands the variety of services available and is assisted as needed to make an informed choice.
Priority #5
Our system uses resources wisely and measures outcomes focused on quality of life: Alaska is committed to the vision above regardless of available resources. This vision drives quality improvement. In order to ensure the system is available into the future, resources are used wisely while innovation and creative problem-solving are encouraged.
Legislative Action
DD Shared Vision Senate Bill (SB 174): An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Health and Social Services; and relating to the administration of programs for persons with physical and mental disabilities.
EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 11/23/18
The Council thanks the Alaska Legislature for passing SB174 in 2018, enshrining the Shared DD Vision’s language within state statute, moving Alaska in a direction which will greatly improve the lives of people with disabilities by placing them in the driver’s seat of their own life to live a meaningful life of their own choosing.
I Live the Life I Choose to Live
Self-Advocacy Organizations
Peer Power Alaska is a statewide non-profit organization led by Alaskans with disabilities. People with disabilities want to live the life they choose to live; not the life other people say they have to live. Its board members work to energize people by organizing events and providing training and access to information with the goal of empowering people with disabilities. And to elevate the voices of people with disabilities across Alaska.
