IHC sees an “ordinary life” as the foundation of our life path.

The person at the centre of an ordinary life has citizenship rights. Their choices, hopes and goals are supported as people lead ordinary lives in the community.

He aha te mea nui?
He aha te mea nui o tea o?
Maku e ki atu
He tangata. He tangata. He tangata.

What is the most important thing?
What is the most important thing in the world?
I will say to you.
It is people. It is people. It is people.

The National Health Committee report, To have an ordinary Life, Kia Whai Oranga ‘Noa’ (2003), uses the word “ordinary” to reflect “the aspirations of adults with an intellectual disability to access the everyday things that others take for granted”.

The report recognises that “all people, whatever their level of impairment, have the same fundamental human needs and expectations. These include having their lives taken seriously, being able to give and receive love, having enduring personal relationships, having their cultural values respected, being given opportunities to grow, learn and develop throughout life, and being valued by others for what they have to offer.”

The New Zealand Disability Strategy: Whakanui Oranga (NZDS) aims to eliminate barriers for New Zealanders with a disability. It is a guide for government action to promote a more inclusive society. Go to www.nzds.govt.nz

There is an expectation that all people will be accorded the “ordinary” opportunities of access to goods and services, including housing, income, health services, education and community life.

For information on the progress of the NZDS go to www.odi.govt.nz/nzds/progress-reports/

An ordinary life is inclusive. This refers to the opportunity for people with a disability to participate fully in all of the educational, employment, consumer, recreational, community, and domestic activities that typify everyday society. Inclusion involves respect for rights and freedoms, self-determination and family support

“The inclusion of disabled people in society is a process that runs in two directions: prepare disabled people to become part of society and prepare society to receive them.” (Inclusion International “Getting There” 1/7)

IHC is encouraged by the stories of positively supported lives and about the growing knowledge we have of what is possible. Here is the link to our self advocacy site.

Publications and literature reviews that relate to the “Ordinary Life” project are available on the National Health Committee’s website: www.nhc.govt.nz.