Giant Step Forward with Autonomy & Inclusion
"Inclusion Action in Ontario (IAO) is proud to share a pivotal Court of Appeal decision affirming the rights of adults with developmental disabilities. M., an adult with Down Syndrome, has been recognized as having the right to participate in decisions about his own living arrangements—a significant step forward in the fight for inclusion and autonomy."
What Happened?
M. was previously bound by a shared parenting schedule established during his childhood. Without a finding of incapacity, the lower court presumed M.’s inability to decide for himself—a presumption challenged at the Court of Appeal.
Key Takeaways from the Court of Appeal Decision:
- The Right to Be Heard: Adults with developmental disabilities must have their voices respected, especially on matters impacting their lives.
- Decision-Making Is Multifaceted: Incapacity in one area doesn’t mean a lack of ability in others. Individuals deserve the dignity of choice.
- Challenging Assumptions: The decision pushes back against systemic biases and reinforces procedural protections under the law.
Read more here: https://inclusionactionontario.ca/ontarios-highest-court.../
Our congrations and thanks to IAO and People First of Canada and Canadian Down Syndrome Society for their ciritcal roles as intervenors in the case!
SOURCE:
LiveWorkPlay aligns with the IAO "My Home My Way" project https://inclusionactionontario.ca/the-my-home-my-way-series/ which has many similarities to our "Just Enough Support" model, which his built around the principle of Honouring Personal Autonomy https://liveworkplay.ca/news-events/video-series/
