Words to the Wise: VOR Annual Meeting in D.C.

I am attending the VOR Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. this weekend.  VOR is a national non-profit organization that advocates for a full range of service and residential options for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. 95% of VOR's funding comes from families and family organizations and no funding from the government. Unlike other organizations that get most of their money from government grants, VOR is a truly independent voice for people with severe and profound disabilities who cannot  speak for themselves.

Here are a few wise words that I picked up from presentations at today's meeting:

"Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right." Sir Laurens vander Post (1906-1996) South African author.

What's driving this Madness? [over the top assertions that every person with DD can make their own decisions, live safely in the community, work at competitive employment, and be fully integrated into the all aspects of community life]...

"There is, of course, a great deal of utopian nonsense involved. Everyone likes to think they are being broadminded and liberal when in fact they are living inside their own fantasies of what they think all disabled people want or should want instead of listening to disabled people.

"The do-gooders always feel they know what is best for you and they seem to have taken over DOJ [U.S. Department of Justice]..." (anonymous attorney)

"Love the truth and hate the lie" and "Trust the data." Ralph Kennedy, panelist on Standardizing Quality Across all Settings