Our Values and Principles

Inclusion NS views the 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.

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In addition to the rights, values and principles described in the UNCRPD and in this Strategic Plan, the work of Inclusion NS is guided by the following:
 

Values

Equality

• All persons have inherent and equal worth. Each person’s value is neither given, earned, nor accumulated. It is unrelated to ability, disability, health status or any genetic or other personal characteristics.

• 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 fully participating members of society and to have their needs met through generic agencies with additional supports provided as required.
   

Choice and Self-determination

• 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 support necessary to maximize their independence and the right to make their own decisions, take risks, and enhance their well-being.
   

Interdependence

• Like all others, people with intellectual disabilities are dependent on others for love and support. Valued recognition of people with intellectual disabilities as citizens who have contributions to make to families, communities and society and of families as gateways to inclusive community life for people with intellectual disabilities.
   

Valuing Human Potential

• All persons have an inherent capacity for growth and expression. Every person has the right to be nourished physically, intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually to maximize their opportunity to reach their full potential.