What we believe

People with intellectual disabilities have the right to a say in their own lives

IHC believes people with an intellectual disability:

• have a right to make choices and have a say in what happens to them
• are capable of being involved in making decisions
• must have information on which to base their decisions
• must be supported to understand the consequences of their decisions
• if necessary, must be helped to communicate their decisions.

IHC believes this because:

1. People know what they want and need. Having control of their lives increases self-esteem, which is vital for confident social interactions and relationships.
2. Having a disability does not mean individuals are not able to learn about their rights and responsibilities and make choices.
3. Under law, everyone, including people with intellectual disabilities, is presumed to be able to make decisions unless it is proven otherwise. Only when all communication options are explored and every effort is made to assess decision-making capability, should a decision be made on their behalf.
4. Support to make choices will change as children grow into adults, take more responsibility and learn from their experiences.

IHC will:

• involve people with disabilities in decisions about their lives
• encourage and support people with disabilities to participate in decision-making in IHC
• openly discuss with self advocates, families and independent advocates any risks associated with particular decisions
• recognise the importance of families, advocates and networks in the decision-making process
• involve independent advocates when there is no one who is able to support people with intellectual disabilities to make decisions
• support the development of independent consumer movements that promote self advocacy.

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People with intellectual disabilities have the right to support to meet their goals and aspirations

IHC believes people with intellectual disabilities should have support that:

• allows them to meet their goals and aspirations
• matches individual needs, no matter how complex
• is provided by people who understand them
• promotes self development and independence
• makes them feel good about themselves
• respects culture, spirituality and sexuality
• eliminates risk of harm or abuse
• enhances and strengthens the family.

IHC believes this because:

1. Like everyone else, people with intellectual disabilities have different needs.
2. Support from IHC is tailored to the individual and is part of a support network that includes the family, the community and friends.
3. People with intellectual disabilities have the same health needs as everyone else and require the same health services.
4. Disability is not an illness, but does require people to have some support for daily living.

IHC will:

• work to understand the needs of individuals
• provide support based on individual needs and aspirations
• provide support that is age appropriate
• ensure the dignity of the individual is respected, no matter how complex or challenging their needs may be
• provide workshops, connections and events for people with intellectual disabilities, families and support people
• regularly review support, which will change as people learn new skills, learn from experiences and grow older
• help people access other services
• maintain close links with friends, family and whānau.

IHC supports the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi

IHC believes that, in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori with intellectual disabilities have the right to:

• participate in decision-making
• be protected by law
• have concerns resolved
• have control of their lives.

IHC believes this because:

1. Although New Zealand is a country of many cultures, Māori are the indigenous people and have rights under Te Tiriti O Waitangi, an agreement between the Crown and Māori.
2. New Zealand has legislation, such as the Human Rights Act, that recognises the rights of New Zealanders of all cultures.
3. Culture is part of a person’s individuality and our commitment to people with intellectual disability and their family must include an understanding of culture if we are to enhance and strengthen an individual’s sense of identity.

IHC will:

• strengthen relationships with people we support, whānau, staff and the wider community and ensure the people we support are connected with their whānau
• ensure adequate resources are available to promote cultural understanding and provide services responsive to Māori
• develop the competence of staff to work in both worlds (te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā) and attract Māori to seek a career with the IHC Group and its subsidiaries
• create and identify opportunities for people to participate in cultural activities have an advisory group of Māori that supports the organisation (Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa)
• encourage whānau participation in service planning and decision-making
• respond to requests to share expertise with other Māori providers.