Statement of Support for Inclusive Communities and an Affirmation of an Inclusive Society

  • We dedicate ourselves to creating and sustaining an inclusive community, a place in which all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, nationality, or disability are accepted side by side as full citizens.
  • All people, regardless of their level of ability, have strengths and skills that contribute to the vitality of our community and they must be supported so as to maximize their contribution.
  • Human services should promote full inclusion of all people into the community and should enhance and facilitate caring relationships, respect, support, connectedness and roles as ordinary citizens.
  • Human services shall enable people to participate in every aspect of community life including home, school, work, cultural and spiritual organizations, leisure, travel and political life.
  • All children have a right to enjoy a family life that is nurturing and permanent.
  • Supportive services that enable a person to live in our community should be a basic human right.
  • All people, including those with disabilities, should have affordable, accessible, safe integrated housing.
  • Adults and families of children with disabilities shall have maximum control over the support they receive, including personal assistance.
  • All levels of policy making and practice should involve people with disabilities.
  • Including all people in our community is the responsibility of all citizens.