Value of Work

Work is both a right and a responsibility. Everyone, regardless of disability, should have the opportunity to experience the sense of belonging that comes from making a contribution to their community. Work should:

• Contribute to self-esteem and a feeling of accomplishment;
• Be a positive and enjoyable experience not only for the people we support, but also for their employers and co-workers;
• Provide opportunities to develop mutually satisfying relationships; and
• Allow an individual to earn an income.

Personal Growth

The people we support can best discover their personal potential when we:

• Enable them to pursue their interests;
• Emphasize their strengths;
• Empower them to be the guiding force in making informed choices;
• Ensure opportunities for them to develop new skills over time; and
• Encourage relationships with others which enable them to feel part of a team.

Relationships Built on Trust

The relationships among our staff, our funders, the people we support, their families and their employers should be built on a foundation of trust. Trusting relationships are best fostered when we:

• Treat people with respect and understanding;
• Acknowledge other points of view; and
• Follow through on commitments.
  
  

People can feel secure in the knowledge that our dedication to these relationships is unwavering.

Individualized Support

The services we provide should foster and encourage the inclusion and acceptance of the people we support as valued members of the community. Regardless of disability, everyone deserves access to all avenues to succeed. We are firm in our commitment to partner with employers, co-workers, families and others in the community to create a unique support network for each person that is:

• Built around individualized strengths, needs and desires;
• Flexible to accommodate changing support needs;
• Long term in nature and available as long as wanted and needed;
• Provided in integrated community settings; and
• Designed to facilitate relationships with employers, co-workers and other members of the community.