Everyday Lives is a document that promotes the concept of self-determination for people with disabilities. It began in 1989 with the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) inviting people with disabilities, families, advocates, governmental officials, and service providers to think about what the future should look like for all people with disabilities.
The document was published in 1991 and outlined the principles that have guided ODP and the service system since then. In 2016, Everyday Lives went through a major update. More than 265 stakeholders conducted research and evaluated best practices.
The current foundation of Everyday Lives: Values In Action is in these two statements:
1. We value what is important to people with disabilities and their families, who are striving for an everyday life. 2. People with disabilities have a right to an everyday life; a life that is no different than that of all other citizens.
Read the entire Everyday Lives document here:
http://www.dhs.pa.gov/publications/EverydayLives/