Quality Issues

So what does an enhanced quality of life look like for those of us who do not have disabilities ? Is it one where we are in optimum health in all three spheres of the psychological, physical and spiritual? Where we develop close relationships, have family close by and a circle of dear friends to hang with when we need crazy pals to laugh with or a shoulder to cry on? Where we learn to balance out our responsibilities with rest and recreation?

Individuals with developmental disabilities also should have a meaningful life. But they cannot achieve it alone. A meaningful quality of life exists when, among other things, they receive the support, encouragement, and resources to explore and define how they want to live, lead a life enriched by friends and family and with opportunities for close relationships, work in jobs that are meaningful to them, and enjoy the same rights and respect for their dignity and privacy, as do people without disabilities. All of this is possible if persons in the individual’s circles of support work together to create opportunities for community integration and participation. And belonging. Everybody stands to gain.

At Arpan, we laugh at the littlest of things and we celebrate small victories such as working the onion chopper or writing a bill that others can read. There is no doubt all our lives are enhanced by each other’s presence. Fatigue at the end of the day is often forgotten with the infectious laughter and the gay abandon — as it well should be.