Living freely and being members of communities like everyone else – Easy to read

1. What does end segregation mean to you? 

For me end segregation means

living independently and being included.

Living freely and being members of communities

like everyone else without anyone violating our rights.

2. Can you describe your life in the institution?

I have never lived in an institution.

I have heard many bad experiences from other self-advocates.

It is always sad to hear that they are separated

and cannot make any decision about their lives.

3. Why do you think community-based living is important? 

I think community-based living is important

because we can meet other people

and be part of our communities.

We can find work more easily.

We can live independently with the right support

and play an active role in the society.

4. What would you like to be achieved in terms of integration and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities? 

We need inclusive employment.

We need supported decision making

instead of guardianship.

We need the right to vote.

We need inclusive education.

We need inclusive communities that support us.

5. What kind of support do people with intellectual disabilities need when living outside of institutions? 

People with intellectual disabilities living outside institutions

need jobs to be financially independent.

We need support services in our homes

and personal budgets to choose the services we want.

We have to raise awareness about accessible information.

We need accessible information so we can be independent.