Guiding Principles

Prevention is preferable to remediation. Prevention of disabilities is both humane and cost-effective. Preventive efforts should focus on both primary and secondary measures, beginning with the prenatal period and extending across the life span.

All life stages are equally important. Resources should extend across the life span. The individual/family needs of one age group should not diminish the needs of other age groups along the life span continuum.

All services should be person-centered and support family preservation and cohesiveness. Families are the greatest natural resource available to an individual. Families are the major providers of support, care, and love. When families receive supports that are stable, reliable, sufficient, and readily available, the home environment is the most permanent, preserving, nurturing, and cost-effective place for persons with disabilities. Thus, services should be based on individual/family needs and priorities rather than agency needs or mandates.

All services should foster community inclusion and support the individual's growth toward independence and interdependence. Supports should be provided to assure full participation in activities of family, community, and society. Independence and interdependence should be fostered across all life areas including family life, school, work, worship, recreation, and social events.

Individuals with disabilities and their families should be involved in the design, operation, and monitoring of services and supports. Families have a fundamental right to be informed and contributing members of a team of professionals who are designated providers of services and supports. Parent-professional partnerships are critical to outcomes of independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion.

Services should be interdisciplinary and coordinated. The needs of individuals and their families transcend all disciplines and agencies. Agencies, professionals, governmental entities, advocacy organizations, and consumers should network to assure a coordinated holistic system of supports and resources.

Services should be provided by qualified personnel who are sensitive to individual needs across cultures. All individuals and families have the right to interface with personnel who are highly trained and sensitive to their particular needs and cultures. Cultural diversity is to be respected by all personnel.