My Life My Way: The Power of Respecting Individuality

June 10, 2024 | by sau1admin

As people, we all have differences that make us who we are. Whether you are a member of the disability community or not, everyone wants their individuality respected. Looking at the My Life My Way values, individuality is one of the top priorities for self advocates.

In the self advocate community, individuality means, “I am respected and valued for who I am and want to be. The people around me treat me with dignity and support me in a person-centered way.”

Someone who experiences disability has the same right to individuality as anyone else. Everyone wants to feel valued and respected for who they are as people. The best way to support individuality for those who experience disability is to listen to them and what they want and need in their everyday life. Respecting someone’s choices also respects their individuality. It is important that everyone is seen for who we are and want to be, and not just for what challenges we may or may not face. Respecting someone's individuality means you respect them for who they are and where they are in their life.

This is important for anyone to live a happy and fulfilled life. Our individuality makes us who we are. Without having our individuality respected, we cannot live our life, our way. Respecting someone with a disability as a person is essential to supporting their needs and desires in life. Advocates and allies can work together to support the individuality of everyone, and help people with disabilities to live their lives, their way.