Who's speaking for whom

Eisland makes another observation that I'm wrestling with. She notes that often those with disabilities find themselves as the 'topic' and the observers, rather than being at the centre of their own decision making, and life experience process. She states that this can often happen in the provision of well meaning services systems. Persons with disabilities need to be empowered to be at the centre -- which means the 'able' must make room - she notes that the experts on disabilities are those with the disabilities. She laments that decisions, process, programs, experiences, are often done 'for' persons with disabilities. Our own PCS philosophy states that self determination is an essential value for us. I wondering, how do we make sure that those we seek to support are 'at the centre' as participants, and not observers? Thots?