Will level of disability affect how you define risk? Or, if you were Larry's Support Broker, should you be consistent with how Larry thinks about risks and making decisions?
Before beginning this activity, download
the statement, Dignity
of Risk. Review these questions in order to challenge
your beliefs on risk, choice, and access when it comes to people
with disabilities. After you are finished reading, review the scenario
of Jeff (click
here) and answer the following questions.
1. Identify three safety risks that limit Jeff's choices/actions in
this
scenario.
2. Identify the fears that could be behind these possible risks.
3. What are some strategies that could acknowledge the fears
that his
family has?
4. As Jeff's Support Broker, how would you suggest that Jeff be
able to
take chances? Use specific examples from the
scenario.
5. What are the possible outcomes or benefits from Jeff having
a stronger
voice in his life?
Larkin Seiler and his father, Ron
For Larkin, driving a speed boat was more than a risk. It was an adventure he shared with his family, that they now look back on and enjoy the memory. How might limiting choices influence your employers' ability to be active, happy and included?
Case Example
Philip is an adult man who loves everything country but especially country music. When one of his
favorite bands came into town, he made sure he purchased tickets to the concert. Prior to the actual concert,
the band set up various amusement-type activities in the parking lot. Philip was drawn to the
mechanical bull. Philip can do many things, but his cerebral palsy hampers his motor skills. This does not
seem to bother Philip in the least as he becomes determined to ride the bull. His friend, Bill, who accompanies him
to all country music concerts, is not entirely shocked at Philip's determination to do something that others do
not think he can do. However, Bill is fairly afraid of the idea of allowing his friend to try this particular adventure.
Bill thinks, of course Philip could be helped up onto the bull and maybe even hold on for a moment or two, but he would
not have the ability to adequately brace himself for a fall. If he would tumble head first without extending his
arms (which is entirely possible), then it might be his last fall. Bill explains what he sees as the potential dangers, but
Phillip's enthusiasm for this new found sport is just as strong.
What should his friend do? Should he overrule Philip's desire to ride the mechanical bull and say it is far too
dangerous? Should he say to himself that Philip is a grown man and is quite Self-Determined and therefore, can
make his own decisions and consequently take responsibility for his own decisions? As Phillip's Support Broker, how would you approach this situation? How is this scenario not that different from other risks individuals and families might experience?
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