The Dignified Lifestyles is a program of trained volunteer monitors. They go into the group homes in our communities as advocates on behalf of individuals residing in group homes. Our trained volunteer monitors are driven by values-based concerns related to choice and participation. Volunteers are urged to ask themselves repeatedly: “Would I want to live in this home.
As a quality assurance program, it ensures:
- That individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Are men and women treated as adults despite any disabilities they may have? Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Age appropriateness refers to a person’s chronological age.
- That individuals are learning functional skills that will enable them to be more independent and productive. What functional skills are people learning that will enable them to be more independently? Are people learning about health and safety such as crossing the street and taking care of their own eyeglasses? Another example, learning to roll bread dough instead of play dough, doing their own laundry to the best of their ability, etc.
- That individuals are given the opportunity to make choices. What kinds of choices are people being taught? People need the opportunity to choose everything from their bedtimes to their own clothing. ; and
- That individuals are involved in inclusive activities. Are people truly a part of their community? We look to see that people are involved in inclusive community activities.
Program expectations are:
Making Choices
We expect that all people will be encouraged and supported to make choices about all aspects of their lives.
True Community Participation
We expect that people will be encouraged and supported to become active contributing members of the community.
Reputation
We expect that people will be encouraged and supported to achieve a valued reputation in the community.
Gaining Competencies
We expect that people will be provided the opportunity to learn functional skills and be supported to achieve productivity, independence and self worth.
Real Relationships
We expect that people will be encouraged and supported to maintain strong family relationships, pursue new friendships within the community at large and to continue current friendships.
How to become a Dignified Lifestyles Volunteer:
Contact The Arc Downriver at 734-283-0710. All volunteers attend a training prior to visiting the homes. The focus of the training is normalization, the concept that everyone is entitled to community living that is at least as good as that of any other citizen. Through training, volunteers are taught to work with both the people living at the home and the staff to make needed improvements. Visits are made when the people living at the home are there so volunteers can get a clear understanding of how they feel about their living situation.
Each volunteer is asked to visit one home a month. Following their visit, they complete a form which is sent to The Arc Downriver, The Arc Michigan, the group home visited, the home provider and management agency.
