VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
The PEI Association for Community Living (PEIACL) views the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to be the document that best describes and advances the rights of people with disabilities. We believe strongly in the principles contained in the UNCRPD, and support the rights and responsibilities enshrined in all its articles.
In addition to the rights, values and principles described in the UNCRPD, our organization’s Strategic Plan and the daily work of PEIACL are guided by the following:
VALUES
- Equality
- All persons are entitled to equal access and opportunity. Equality demands protection from all forms of discrimination or harm, and access to the supports necessary to reach full participation and inclusion.
- Dignity
- All persons have inherent and inalienable dignity. Dignity belongs to all persons solely because they exist. Dignity does not depend upon physical, intellectual or other characteristics. It is not something that is earned or received. Entitlement to dignity cannot rightfully or legally be ignored, diminished or taken away.
- Respect
- All persons are entitled to respect. Respect requires recognition of and concern for the dignity of every person.
PRINCIPLES
- Freedom and Social Justice
- Social justice requires the establishment and maintenance of required supports and services so that people with intellectual disabilities are welcomed, free and valued as full and self-determining members of the community.
- Human Rights
- People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights and responsibilities, as do all other Canadians. Like all others, they are entitled to the equal protection and equal benefit before and under the law and are entitled to those supports necessary in order to achieve equality.
- Diversity and Inclusion in Community
- A vision of society that is inclusive, diverse, respectful and supportive of the rights of all persons regardless of differences in intellectual or other abilities. A society in which people with intellectual disabilities have a sense of belonging, acceptance and citizenship. A society where people are seen to be and are supported to be full participating members of society and to have their needs met through generic agencies with additional supports provided as required.
- Empowerment
- Self-determination is a key component to being a full citizen. All people have a right to live in community, the right to the means and supports necessary to maximize their independence and the right to make their own decisions, take risks, and enhance their well-being.
- Plain language
- To have control of our lives and to make decisions, we need to understand. All too often people with intellectual disabilities do not understand the language, both verbal and written, being used. This principle means that all language used must be clear, direct, free of jargon and abbreviations, and easy to read and understand.
- Awareness Raising
- Awareness raising is helping a person or a group of people to stand up for their rights and get what they need – helping or supporting someone to make their own choices. This principle recognizes the need to promote, at a government and community level, policies, services and systems that support full participation in community.