Pag may 2026

Using Our Voices: A Conversation About Individual Rights and Responsibilities

Seven members of CLA’s PRS Advisory Group (PAG) recently gathered to learn, share perspectives, and discuss individual rights, personal choice, and self-advocacy.

The group watched a video about individual rights and responsibilities and then spent time talking about what those rights mean in everyday life. The video was paused many times to allow for clarification, questions, and group discussion, creating space to explore topics in a meaningful and practical way.

Topics included:
  • The right to speak out for yourself — expressing yourself and sharing your opinions
  • Making personal choices
  • Privacy and respect
  • Responsibility to be involved in making your Person-Centered Support Plan
  • Community participation
  • Having a voice in decisions that affect your life
  • The right to practice your own religion and beliefs
  • The right to vote and participate in government
One discussion focused on civic participation and the right to have a voice in government. Attendees were asked who was registered to vote, opening a conversation about voting, personal choice, and the many ways people can participate in their communities.

Another meaningful conversation focused on choice in religion, personal preferences, and the importance of maintaining connections that matter to you. A participant shared that she would prefer to attend a different church than the one she had been attending. This opened an important discussion about the right to choose one’s own religious practices, activities, and community connections.

For some people, changes in living situations or support arrangements can affect routines, activities, friendships, or faith communities. The conversation reinforced an important principle: people receiving services have the right to continue participating in the churches, activities, friendships, and communities that are meaningful to them — and to make choices about what feels right for their own lives.

The group facilitator helped talk through ways the participant could communicate her preferences and advocate for what felt right for her.

Later in the day, the learning continued. The Day Program Director helped participants revisit the discussion by asking questions and encouraging conversation, giving participants an opportunity to apply what they had learned and connect these concepts to real-life situations and choices.

The discussion highlighted an important message: understanding your rights includes understanding your choices — and feeling empowered to use your voice.

At CLA, we believe rights are not just policies on paper. They are part of everyday life.

The PRS Advisory Group provides a space where People Receiving Services can:
✔ Learn about topics that matter to them
✔ Share questions, experiences, and ideas
✔ Practice communication and self-advocacy
✔ Help strengthen community and belonging

These meetings are more than educational conversations — they are opportunities for participants to learn together, build confidence, and support one another in understanding their rights and choices.

We are grateful to everyone who participated in the discussion and shared their perspectives.
We look forward to continuing these important conversations as the PRS Advisory Group grows.

Because every person deserves to understand their rights, make informed choices, and feel empowered to use their voice.