What does “Risk Management” mean to people with disabilities?
Risk is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as a dangerous element or factor; something that creates a hazard; or the possibility of loss, injury, or disadvantage. Choice is defined as the right, privilege, opportunity, or freedom to pick out that which is favored or superior. In our disabilities service environment, we have to be concerned with Risk Management: a reasonable balance of both risk and choice. Overprotecting people is disrespectful of their right to choose, limits their growth and development as individuals, and impairs their human dignity. However, while choice is an important value in our society and in our service environment, there are other equally important values requiring our attention, such as preventing people from engaging in activities that may endanger their health and safety, or the health and safety of another person. It is an important part of our role to pay attention to the preferences and choices of the people we serve while carefully considering their deci
