DDC enforces independent living for PWD By MARIAN A. MARAYA

The Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council has renewed its campaign to promote independence among persons with disabilities through a position statement recognizing their right to own their own homes.

The DDC State Plan Committee during its third quarterly general membership meeting adopted a move to afford adults with developmental disabilities living conditions that are affordable, accessible, and equitable.

“It is the council’s belief that adults with developmental disabilities are entitled to live wherever and whomever they choose. It is equally important that adults and parents of children with developmental disabilities have the capability to access the different services needed to support their choices, as well as individuals have the opportunities and information needed to make choices about where to live,” according to the council.

DDC’s aim is to promote and increase independence among people with developmental disabilities, enforce their self-empowerment provide them all the necessary support to be contributing citizens of the community.

According to Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho, Community Living is one of the Council’s state plan priority areas to develop a position statement that would include individuals with developmental disabilities in the housing programs.

Records from the Department of Commerce reveal that 800 individuals among the indigenous population have some types of disabilities.

It is anticipated that this number will increase after the 2000 Census is completed.
The council believes that census results will confirm that housing as one of the services individuals with disabilities need.

Recent figures show some 238 single-family dwellings are currently available at the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation under its Public Housing Program.

GDDC’s position statement notes that the dwellings are divided into 106 low-income housing units and 28 of which are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible.

Seven units out of the 132 under NMHC’s voucher program are likewise accessible for persons with disabilities, according to findings.

NMHC records further show that two applicants with disabilities have been on the waiting list for voucher program since 1995. Another three applicants with disabilities have been on the same waiting list since last year.

Based on figures shown, the state plan committee has identified the need to create more accessible and affordable for individuals with disabilities.

The Council’s recently completed position statement also includes the provision of financial resources to such individuals who need to modify their homes and continue to live independently.

These, among several other recommendations, are currently being initiated by the committee to maximize the independent living potentials of persons with disabilities.