People with disabilities should be empowered to control the direction of their own lives. This means choosing their goals, plotting their course and taking responsibility for their actions and the results. People with disabilities have the right to make their own choices and decisions and the right to make mistakes and learn/benefit from those mistakes. Centers for Independent living (CILs) foster independence, help people with disabilities to develop networks/supports and promote self-reliance. CILs advocate for the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

We value the ability of every human being to reach for their dream.

We hold that each individual has strengths and weaknesses that must be taken into account in their journey toward their dreams. Each individual must accept the responsibility for the dream, the journey, as well as the work to get there.

We offer support, ideas, tools, training, respect and concern.

We will not do for, when it can be done by the person.

We will not patronize for the sake of efficiency, or in the guise of caring. We will try to understand when this causes fear, anger and frustration.

As we develop programs and policies, we will be guided by the dreams and abilities of the people we serve.

No matter how difficult the road, we will always choose the path of inclusion and integration.

We will not sacrifice our principles or values for money, convenience or expediency.

We will not shy away from controversy if that controversy will further our mission.

We offer hope and continue to look at each person as a unique and joyful experience that will teach us, and take us on a journey where we have never been.