Dignity of Risk, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Living in the Community

Historically, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) lived in institutions with little contact with the community. Having a label of "mental retardation" meant they were incapable of living and working outside of the institution. These individuals were protected from risk and harms and had little input into how they lived their lives. Perske (1972) challenged the idea that persons with IDD necessarily had to be protected from the harms one faces in daily life. He championed the principle of "dignity of risk," respecting their right to weigh risks and harms of their choices. Over time, federal, state, and local agencies embraced the idea that people with IDD should be integrated into communities and receive supports so they may live their lives to the fullest. This article discusses how a community agency worked with their clients with IDD to balance their personal liberties with acceptable risks as they live and work in the community. Approaches such as the use of a Risk Committee or the empowerment of direct care workers in assessing risks are described through case illustrations.