Listening Beyond the Labels: The Evolution of Disability Services and the Power of Choice
Imagine being told where to live, what to do and who gets to speak for you – every day. For much of history, this was the reality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their lives were often shaped by systems that prioritized control over connection, compliance over choice. Institutions replaced communities, routines replaced relationships and the people at the center of it all were rarely asked what they wanted.
Thankfully, things began to change. Advocacy movements, families and self-advocates pushed for a better way. Public funding, such as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, began to support services that helped people with disabilities live in their communities, build daily living skills and gain more independence. It was a turning point – but not the finish line.
Independence isn’t just about brushing your teeth or making a sandwich – it’s about being seen, heard and valued.
Today, we’re learning to listen differently. We’re learning that people with disabilities don’t just need support – they need to be part of the conversation about what that support looks like. They have opinions, preferences and dreams, just like anyone else. When they say, “This isn’t working,” or “I want something different,” we need to hear them.
That’s where Family Navigation comes in.
At Laura Baker Services Association, Family Navigation is about walking alongside individuals and families – not ahead of them. It’s about helping people make sense of the overwhelming systems they’re asked to navigate: benefits, housing, education, healthcare, employment. It’s about asking, “What do you want your life to look like?” and then doing everything we can to make that vision a reality.
Our Family Navigation Specialists have supported people who want to live on their own but don’t know where to start. They have supported parents who are exhausted from managing paperwork and appointments. They have supported young adults who want to make friends, find a job or just be understood. And every time, we start the process by listening, because life for people with disabilities is not just about skill-building or personal cares. It is about joy, belonging and purpose.
The truth is, when we stop seeing people as a diagnosis and start seeing them as whole human beings – with stories, struggles and strengths – we all grow. The possibilities are endless when we lead with empathy and listen with intention.
Let’s build a world where everyone’s voice matters. Let’s start by hearing the ones we’ve overlooked for far too long. Their voices are not just important – they are essential.
If this resonates with you or someone you support, we invite you to take the first step. Schedule a free Family Navigation consultation – no pressure, just a conversation about what’s possible.