I went to a store recently to pick up a pair of pants. It had my size pants but I could have picked up smaller and larger sizes because those were available, too. The store offered consumer choice. Consumer choice is good. One size, or one choice, doesn’t fit all.

Some folks believe consumer choice about services should not be available to persons with intellectual disabilities. Wouldn’t one size, or one choice of services, be good enough for everyone?

Well, VODEC would have to say one size of service doesn’t fit everyone with an intellectual disability just like one size of pants doesn’t either. Each person with an intellectual disability is unique. His or her uniqueness should be honored with consumer choices.

If you believe otherwise then the next time the store doesn’t offer your size pants just buy a different size. Maybe you don’t need the size that fits you. Maybe the other sizes are good enough for you.

Steve Hodapp, CEO