Vision, purpose and values

We live our dream.

We have a clear vision for the purpose and impact of our work as well as a comprehensive set of values, beliefs and principles which guide and inspire our work.

Our vision

We have a vision of a socially just, accessible and inclusive community, in which the human rights, belonging, contribution, potential and diversity of all people with disability are recognised, respected and celebrated with pride.

Our purpose

Our purpose is to be a leading disability rights, advocacy and representative organisation of and for all people with disability, which strives for the realisation of our vision of a socially just, accessible, and inclusive community, in which the human rights, belonging, contribution, potential and diversity of all people with disability are recognised, respected and celebrated with pride.

Our values

We believe that people with disability, irrespective of age, gender, cultural or linguistic background, religious beliefs, geographic location, sexuality, or the nature, origin or degree of our disability:

• have a right to life and to bodily integrity;
• are entitled to a decent standard of living, an adequate income, and to lead active and satisfying lives;
• are people first, with human, legal and service user rights that must be recognised and respected;
• are entitled to the full enjoyment of civil rights and responsibilities;
• are entitled to live free from prejudice, discrimination and vilification;
• are entitled to social supports and adjustments as a right, and not as a result of pity, charity or the exercise of social control;
• contribute substantially to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social diversity and well-being of our community;
• possess many skills and abilities and have enormous potential for life-long growth and development;
• are entitled to live in and be a part of the diversity of the community;
• have the right to participate in the formulation of those policies and programs that affect our lives;
• are entitled to make our own life decisions, and to any decision-making support we may need to do so;
• are entitled to individualised services and supports which we are able to direct according to our needs and preferences; and
• must be empowered to exercise our rights and responsibilities, without fear of retribution.

Our guiding principles

• We will be passionate, innovative and fearless in the promotion and defence of the rights and interests of people with disability.
• We will be accessible and responsive to our community and inclusive of its diversity.
• We will actively facilitate and value the involvement of people with disability in our organisational governance and policy and program development.
• We will recognise and support all means and modes of communication of choice, including via sign languages, augmentative communication, communication technologies and live communication support, so as to ensure our voices are heard and understood.
• We will encourage, empower, and support the civic participation of people with disability.
• We will be collaborative and supportive in our relationships within the disability rights movement as a whole, at the local, regional, state, national and international levels.
• We will be accountable for our activities to our members, to people with disability generally, and to the public.
• We will always act with honesty and integrity.
• We will be resourceful and efficient in obtaining and managing the resources needed to undertake our work.
• We will recognise and value the contribution of our members, our Board, our staff and volunteers towards the achievement of our vision.

Ends | Contact us