Who We Are

The Values that Guide a Consumer-directed Organization

As a consumer-directed organization, ACCD is committed to the values of Full Participation, Choice, Independence, Accountability, and Integrity.

Full Participation

ACCD is a consumer-directed organization because we are led by a board of elected volunteers with disabilities. This organizational structure ensures that we, as persons with disabilities, are the policy and decision-makers of our organization. We are the best equipped to articulate and define our own needs and find creative solutions to meet them. Full participation also means that our voices are heard at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government.

Choice

ACCD is a consumer-directed organization because full participation empowers persons with disabilities to make choices. Prior to the consumer movement, many of us felt our lives were controlled by the action or inaction of others, leaving us with few, if any, choices to make. As a consumer-directed organization, however, ACCD affirms the right of persons with disabilities to make choices and strives to create opportunities for decision making. Everyone involved with ACCD—our board of directors, members, volunteers, and staff—are encouraged to review options, make choices, acknowledge mistakes, and make our own decisions.

Independence

ACCD is a consumer-directed organization because it fosters independence. In the 1980 brief submitted to the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Disabled and Handicapped, ACCD stated, “The heart and soul of the consumer movement is the individual citizen who is determined to take charge of his or her own lifestyle and decision making.” Almost thirty years later, ACCD’s programs and services continue to champion this philosophy through a commitment to public education, research, and enhancing community. As persons with disabilities, our goal is to reach our full potential by living productive, self-determined, and independent lives to the best of our ability.

Accountability

ACCD is a consumer-directed organization because we recognize that we must be held accountable for our actions and decisions as we tackle issues that are relevant to persons with disabilities. Through careful research, information sharing, and working closely with a variety of decision makers, we are able to offer a confident and effective voice for the disability community. We are prepared to recognize our own limitations and to model the tenets of accountability to other organizations, government departments, and individuals who are committed to serving the disability community.

Integrity

ACCD is a consumer-directed organization because we respond honestly and openly to all individuals and organizations. Through our consumer support, referral, and public education services we impart our firm belief that our unique individual and collective experiences as persons with disabilities contribute to a rich, diverse society.