Individuals with disabilities are more active in the community today than ever before. They are employees, volunteers, home owners, business owners, and consumers. The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Knox DD) provides vital support to individuals with disabilities throughout their entire life so that they can become an active part of their community. It is the position of the Knox DD that disability is a part of the human experience. The rights of individuals with disabilities, and indeed for all individuals, include: self-determination, independent living, and the opportunity to be fully included in the social, educational, political, economic, and cultural mainstream of their community.