Home and Family: A Human Right

[SARN Memo for January 21, 2009]

In many places, people with disabilities are treated badly. Children are not allowed to grow up with their parents. Adults are often blocked from getting married.

But we have rights. In 2007, the United Nations passed a new law. It says people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else. It says we have the right to be a part of a family. It says we have the right to start one, too.

1. The Problem: Lack of Family Rights
2. What Does the New UN Law Say?
3. Group Activity: Family Portrait
4. Resource

• Respond to this memo!

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1. The Problem: Lack of Family Rights

Sound familiar?

• I was taken away from my family when I was six years old.
• I was sterilized against my will so I can’t be a parent.
• I want to get married, but my guardian keeps saying no.
• I could raise children if I had a little help.
• They said the only way for me to get help was to move away from home.

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2. What Does the New UN Law Say?

Here are some of what the new law says about home and family rights (paraphrased):

• Everyone deserves to be part of a family.
• Growing up in a safe home, with a family, is the right place for all kids to be.
• We have the right to form loving relationships.
• We can love whomever we want.
• We have the right to get married if we choose.
• Our bodies and our sexuality are good things.
• We should not be stopped from having kids just because of our disability.

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3. Group Activity: Family Portrait

Ask each person to draw a picture. Say: “Show the family you’d like to be a part of someday. It could be what you have now or be very different.” Later, take turns telling about your picture. Then ask: “What’s one thing you need to reach this goal?”

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4. Resource

We Have Human Rights
(28 pp, full color)
Today’s memo is based on a dynamite new book for people with developmental disabilities. You can use it to learn about your rights. You can also use it to talk with others about your rights. It even has great exercises for your group. It’s written for self-advocates around the world.

1. Free download. Get a free download copy of the book from the publisher, Harvard Project on Disability.
2. Order a hard copy. Order hard copies of the book in volume discounts from ACT’s online catalog.

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