Think about the last time you took a risk. How did it turn out for you? What did you learn by taking that risk?
Life is full of risk, and taking these risks is an important way we learn and grow. If you’ve ever moved, gone on a first date, or started a new job then you’ve taken a risk!
Everyone has the right to take risks in life that are meaningful to them- no matter your disability status, support needs, or where you live.
What is Dignity of Risk?
Dignity of risk means that you have the right to live the life you choose, even if your choices involve some risk. Risk is an important and healthy part of life. We all learn by taking risks. Taking risks allows us to have new experiences and opportunities. Imagine how different your life would look if you never took a risk!
Taking risks is often necessary to help us live lives that are meaningful to us. We all have the right to make decisions and take risks that lead us closer to that good life. If you are an advocate or supporter, understanding and supporting a person’s right to take the risks that are meaningful to them is essential. This involves respecting and supporting a person’s perspectives and choices. This can include:
- Sharing information that helps a person make a meaningful choice in a way that works for them.
- Supporting someone to consider possible outcomes of their choices, both positive and negative.
- Collaborating with the person to identify support that works for them as they take risks (i.e. how can we address health and safety while the person takes risks that are meaningful to them)
Consider the following example
Alexandria is a young woman who is passionate about music, connecting with people her age, and coffee. She lives in a 24-hour group home setting and experiences seizures. She recently told her provider that she no longer wants them to come with her to the open mic night at her local café. She stated that “having you there makes me stand out like a sore thumb”. Her provider is initially very concerned, as they are used to giving her continuous support, as she may have a seizure throughout the day. The thought of Alexandria in the community alone is initially terrifying to the provider.
Questions to ponder
What risk is Alexandria wanting to take? Why might this risk be important to her? What positive things could happen by taking this risk?
What health and safety considerations are there? How might Alexandria take the risk that is meaningful to her while still addressing health and safety?
How can we support Alexandria to think about her options?
Important TO & Important FOR
We each have our own definition of what makes us feel happy, content, fulfilled, and comforted. These are the things that are important TO us.
We also have things that keep us healthy and safe. These are the things that are important FOR us. This includes our mental health, wellbeing, emotional safety, and feeling safe.
Dignity of Risk does not mean ignoring what is important FOR ourselves or others. It does not mean overlooking serious health and safety concerns because a person ‘made a choice’. On the other hand, there will always be some level of risk in life. Eliminating all risk in a person’s life should never be the goal.
Instead, we want to consider how health and safety can be addressed in a way that works for the person and their life- all while they make the decisions and take the risks that are important to them.
Consider the following example
After connecting with Alexandria, we’ve learned a bit more about her perspective. Alexandria has been feeling isolated lately and wants to make more friends. There are a few people she sees at the open mic night who she wants to get to know better. When she has struck up conversations in the past, people tend to speak to her supports, rather than her. It is important to Alexandria to attend the event by herself- she is very clear with supporters on this point.
At the same time, it is important for Alexandria to get the support she needs in case she has a seizure. This support is outlined in her seizure protocol. In the past, well-meaning community members have called 911. If paramedics arrive, this can be a very frustrating and isolating experience for Alexandria.
- Ideas for balanced support (Alexandria would still choose what works for her, but these ideas may be the starting point of a planning conversation):
- Supporters check in with Alexandria before the open mic. There are typically some signs if Alexandria is more prone to seizures on a given day (example: lack of sleep the night before, or experiencing an aura)
- Alexandria adds her provider to speed dial, and calls her provider if she begins to experience an aura
- Alexandria sits in the front of the coffee shop near the exit, and providers wait in the car. If she has a seizure, providers could then intervene.
Conclusion
While we may deeply understand the importance of taking risks in our own life, learning to support someone else’s Dignity of Risk is a different skill. It can put us out of our comfort zone, especially if we have concerns about a person’s health and safety.
However, supporting Dignity of Risk is a core component of person-centered support. Making meaningful decisions and taking risks are what make life good for each of us.
Fortunately, there are many resources to help support Dignity of Risk. We invite you to explore the resources below!
Taking risks is often necessary to help us live lives that are meaningful to us. We all have the right to make decisions and take risks that lead us closer to that good life. If you are an advocate or supporter, understanding and supporting a person’s right to take the risks that are meaningful to them is essential. This involves respecting and supporting a person’s perspectives and choices. This can include:
- Sharing information that helps a person make a meaningful choice in a way that works for them.
- Supporting someone to consider possible outcomes of their choices, both positive and negative.
- Collaborating with the person to identify support that works for them as they take risks (i.e. how can we address health and safety while the person takes risks that are meaningful to them)
Resources
- Explore the NCAPPs webinar “Person-Centered Approaches to Supporting Dignity of Risk for People with Disabilities”
- Want to learn more about important TO, important FOR, and the balance between? Read our past pipeline article on the topic.
- Supported Decision Making is a way to empower people to make decisions about their own lives and the risks that are important to them.
- Learn more about supported decision making.
- Explore Charting the LifeCourse tools for supported decision making.
- Feeling unsure or uneasy about the idea of people taking risks? Watch Abilities Manitoba’s explanation of Dignity of Risk vs. Duty of Care.
- Learn more about Self Determination and Dignity of Risk on this MHDD fact sheet.
About the Authors
Lindsay Dutton joined the Arc Oregon team as an OTAC Trainer in August of 2022. She brings with her 7 years of experience working within the field of disabilities. Most of that time was spent working at a Foster Home providing direct care, and then as a Personal Agent at a Brokerage providing person centered case management. Lindsay is a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador.
Jennifer Buss, M.S.W., joined the OTAC training team in September 2018. Jennifer is a former Services Coordinator and Direct Support Professional, with experience in person-centered planning and advocacy. Her passions include person-centered practices, service equity, and systems-level advocacy. Jennifer is a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador and Person Centered Thinking trainer candidate.