Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes

 

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes

 

 

In order to assist an individual with a developmental disability make choices about their living arrangements, housing mentors need certain knowledge, skills and attitudes.  Each of the following principles will be incorporated into the training modules.

 

 

Knowledge

 

·                      Self-determination principles - not only in a general sense, but more specifically, as related to housing.

 

·                      The sequence of steps involved in the Opening Doors - A Home of Your Own process.

 

·                      The role of the housing mentor.

 

·                      Financial issues to be addressed when considering home ownership.

 

·                      The availability of financial resources, such as Home Choice (Section 8) vouchers, mortgage products available to persons with disabilities, etc.

 

·                      Issues to consider when purchasing or leasing a home, such as type of home, location, roommates, financial considerations, etc.

 

·                      Basic terms, concepts and responsibilities relating to housing and leasing.

 

·                      Steps to leasing an apartment and/or buying a home.

 

·                      Resource information available to the housing mentor and the individual with a developmental disability.

 

 

Skills

 

·                      The ability to listen to the individual with a developmental disabilities and to assist them in determining their own choices.  Imposing choices is not part of the self-determination process.

 

·                      The ability to enable the individual with a developmental disability to realize his or her dream.

 

·                      The ability to be concrete when presenting information.  Abstract concepts are difficult for persons with developmental disabilities to grasp.

 

·                      The willingness to repeat information is important.

 

·                      The ability to realistically assess the options available to the individual with a developmental disability is needed.

 

·                      The ability to adapt information to meet the individual’s leaning style is helpful, as well.

 

·                      The ability to work with others involved with the individual with the disability, such as family members, service providers, etc. is important, especially when there may be resistance involved.

 

Attitudes

·                      Individuals with disabilities have a right to make their own decisions.

 

·                      Individuals with developmental disabilities are capable of making their own choices.

 

·                      All persons, regardless of ability level,  have a right to control their lives.

 

·                      Persons with developmental disabilities have the same rights and responsibilities as other members of society.

 

·                      Persons with disabilities are capable of being full, participating members of society.

 

·                      All persons have dreams.  Dreams are achieved through self-determination.

 

·                      Self-determination enhances a person’s dignity and self-respect.  It also enhances their lifestyle.

 

·                      Honoring the principles of self-determination when working with individuals with developmental disabilities demonstrates respect for an individual with a disability.

 

·                      Self-determination develops confidence.

 

·                      Self-determination enhances a person’s quality of life.

 

·                      A willingness to focus on ability, not on the individual’s disability, is important.

 

·                      A willingness to focus on the progress toward an individual’s goals is important.

 

·                      Having a home of one’s own is a basic part of being independent, as well as being a functioning member of society.

 

·                      Self-determined housing enables individuals with developmental disabilities to live on their own terms, rather than feeling like guests in a place that is controlled by others.