Everyone is capable of some form of productive activity . While a disadvantage may affect the speed or degree to which an individual may do something, all individuals, given the right opportunities, are capable of doing something which contributes positively to society. Balance and integration in all areas of life promote normal human development . Further, all individuals deserve the opportunity to shape these aspects of their life around their own preferences and choices. For people with disadvantages to become truly valued by society, they must become involved in activities which society values .
Society tends to view people with disadvantages as dependent and incompetent.
In order for them to be better valued by society, they need to have opportunities to demonstrate independence and competence. Increasingly, today, the litmus test of independence and competence is one's ability to work and pay taxes. By partcipating in activities valued by society, people with disadvantages enhance their own self concept . Individuals with disadvantages do not live in a vacuum. They are usually aware that mainstream society values those who contribute.