National Guidance on the Implementation of Local Area Co-ordination: An Easy Guide

What do Local Area Co-ordinators believe in?

They believe:

People with disabilities have the same rights as other people to be involved in the life of their community.

People with disabilities can decide for themselves what their needs and goals are.

People with disabilities should take part in the planning of their supports. They should be able to plan their supports with people that are important in their lives.

Families, friends or support workers are a very good starting point to playing a full part in the community.

People should have access to information they understand when they need it. The right information can help people make the right decisions about their lives.

Community life is much better when people with disabilities can fully take part in their community. A good community is the most important way of helping people with disabilities and their carers find friends and support.

The lives of people with disabilities and their family are improved when they can make decisions about supports, services and the resources that they want.

The aim of all services and support should be to provide a good life for people with disabilities. Services and supports should always be available and always be high quality.

Time and money needs to be put into communities so that people with disabilities and people from all backgrounds can be included.

If the needs and goals of a person change then services and supports should try to keep up with this change. People with disabilities should have the chance to give something to society by working or being a part of other important projects.