Winter 2006

George Jacobson, President

One of the most important aspects of living independently is self-determination: the ability to choose how we live and who we are. At the Lighthouse we place a premium on respecting each individual’s right to self-determination, whether it be choosing which route to take to work or determining what mode of communication suits them best.

The first step to facilitating self-determination is offering choices. Our training programs offer each individual a variety of choices. So each person selects from a range of options and ultimately decides what will work best for their personal circumstances. For instance, an employee may work with an orientation and mobility specialist to learn about how the different mobility aids that can help them to travel safely, then the blind or Deaf-Blind person makes their decision about what aids to use.

The second step is supporting self-advocacy. Our independent living program offers training for individual self-advocacy. Through this training, individuals learn communication and assertiveness skills. In turn, Lighthouse employees and staff work together to support each other’s choices and needs.

A third way we support self-determination is through respect for communication. At the Lighthouse we have a remarkable variety of communication preferences and modes. To ensure maximum respect for each individual’s preferred mode of communication, we offer a number of communication supports including interpreters skilled in close-visual and tactile American Sign Language, staff dedicated to bridging communication and cultural gaps, and written materials in a number of alternate formats.

In this issue of Horizons, you will read more in-depth about how Lighthouse employees and staff are working together to promote self-determination and independence for all. This is some of the most important work there is. I would like to thank you for the part you play in helping independence, self-determination, and respect to grow.

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