Independence is the Goal. Belonging is the Right.

Everyone deserves the choice to live with independence, dignity, and community. I Belong, We Belong shares real stories, resources, and tools to help families, providers, and individuals with I/DD navigate the path to belonging.

“I Belong. We Belong.”

Is simply a statement that all of us should have a space to belong, and that when
the "I"(Individual) belongs then "We" (the community) also belong.

1. I use my stuff when I want to.
Control of Personal Resources - My Money, My Choice

2. I decide where I will go each day.
Choice of Setting

3. I get to decide about things that impact me.
Right to Self-Determination - The Path to Independence

4. I plan my activities.
Control over Daily Schedule - Time on my terms

5. I choose who supports me and how.
Choice of supports and services

6. I have a safe place to live.
Right to Residential Protections

7. My personal information is safe.
Right to Privacy

8. I have the right to eat what and when I want to.
Access to Food - Color text: Dark Purple | More than a meal

9. I have the right to have friends or others to my house.
Right to Visitors

10. I have the right to get in and around my home and community without barriers.
Accessibility

Video Library
Foundations of Belonging

Foundations of Belonging:

The docuseries focuses on the 4 areas that provide the greatest opportunities for growth and independence, that historically have been restricted or controlled by others.

4-Part Series

Video Library
Episode 1-My Money, My Choice
Episode 1-My Money, My Choice

A look at financial independence and the right to use personal resources freely. (Standard 1) 

Episode 2-More Than a Meal
Episode 2-More Than a Meal

Exploring how food access and choice give individuals the freedom to live with dignity. (Standard 8) 

Episode 3-Time on My Terms
Episode 3-Time on My Terms

Stories about building daily routines around choice, not control. (Standard 4) 

Episode 4-The Path to Independence
Episode 4-The Path to Independence

Framing independence as both a right and a lifelong journey. (Standard 3)

Table Topics:
Real Conversations

Our Table Topic videos are conversations about the impact of the HCBS Standards on the individuals served and their families.  Reva Guimont, a long-time Person-Centered leader, helps guide the conversations amongst families and participants for their perspective and professionals as to the necessary actions they need to take to ensure the goals of the HCBS Standards, and the Lanterman Act are met.  Simply put, we want individuals with I/DD to live, work and play in the community of their choosing and to be seen as valued and contributing members of that community.

Video Library
Supporting Independence and Community Engagement
Supporting Independence and Community Engagement

Reva Guimont, a leader in person-centered action, leads a conversation with parents and a participant on how the HCBS Standards are helping to expand peoples lives and their acceptance and engagement in their community.

Reva Guimont, a leader in person-centered action, leads a conversation with parents and a participant on how the HCBS Standards are helping to expand peoples lives and their acceptance and engagement in their community.

Building Bridges
Building Bridges

Reva Guimont, leads a conversation with professionals about how the HCBS Standards have changed expectations, ways to support and build independence, supporting decision-making and community involvement for individuals with I/DD.

Reva Guimont, leads a conversation with professionals about how the HCBS Standards have changed expectations, ways to support and build independence, supporting decision-making and community involvement for individuals with I/DD.

Resources & Tools

Everyone deserves the choice to live with independence, dignity, and community.
I Belong, We Belong shares real stories, resources, and tools to help families, providers, and individuals with I/DD navigate the path to belonging.

Click Here For Resources

Two men having a conversation in a room with a bed. One man is standing, holding a remote, and the other is sitting on the bed wearing a Lakers jersey and a cap.
A group of six diverse individuals gathered around a camera, looking at its screen and engaging with each other in a casual setting.
Person wearing headphones sitting in front of camera and lighting equipment in a studio.
A young girl holding a clapperboard during an outdoor video shoot in a park on a sunny day, with a professional camera filming her.
A woman with glasses and a lanyard is speaking and gesturing with her hand to a man standing behind a kitchen counter. The man is leaning on the counter with his hands and looks attentive. Another person in a dark shirt is partially visible in the fo
Young man holding a film slate during a video shoot on a porch with two crew members filming.
A video interview setup with a man seated in front of a white backdrop, surrounded by camera equipment, lighting, and crew members filming and managing the scene.
Two people having a conversation in a living room, one with a headset, sitting on a couch, and the other with glasses and a white shirt. A table with a pink mug and camera equipment in front of them.
People conducting an interview in a professional studio setup with lighting and equipment, one person seated in front of the camera and two others standing or sitting nearby.
Two people, a woman and a man, are working together inside a large, well-lit gym or studio. The woman is holding a professional camera with a microphone, looking at its screen, while the man is standing behind her, wearing headphones and looking at t
People filming an interview or recording in a studio with professional lighting and equipment. One person is seated in a gray armchair, and two others are seated nearby, one with headphones and a beverage, engaging in conversation.
Two men working together on video filming equipment inside a room with a high ceiling, black curtains, and a window.
A person filming a man in a black shirt making coffee or preparing a drink in a home kitchen with blue cabinets, flowers, and decorations in the background.
A man sitting on a bed in a bedroom, being filmed by a person with a camera. The man on the bed is wearing a yellow tank top and red shorts, and the person with the camera is standing and smiling. A Lakers basketball jersey hangs on the wall behind t
A group of six diverse people, including children and adults, gathered outdoors under trees, listening to a woman speaking. Some are wearing headsets, and one person is holding a booklet or tablet. They appear to be participating in an outdoor educat