Guiding Principles

CACL is guided in all of its actions by principles that are consistent with its values and beliefs. Every action will be tested against these principles. Every action, statement, policy, or publication will honour and promote the principles of:

• Respect
• Dignity
• Equality
• Diversity
• Human rights
• Justice
• Self-determination
• Mutual responsibility
• Inclusion
• Moral courage

Our Values and Beliefs

1. All members of the human family are full persons. Our human essence cannot be reduced to words, labels, categories, definitions or genetic patterns. Every person is unique. No one can be replaced or copied. All persons are ineffable.
2. All persons are entitled to respect. Respect requires recognition of and concern for the dignity of every person. Dignity is fragile. It must be protected from all harm.
3. All persons have inherent dignity. Dignity belongs to us just because we exist. It is not something we earn or receive.
4. All persons have inalienable dignity. Dignity cannot rightfully be ignored, diminished or taken away.
5. All persons have equal dignity. Dignity does not depend upon physical, intellectual or other characteristics. Neither does it depend upon the opinions that other people have about these characteristics.
6. All persons have inherent and equal worth. Our value as persons is neither earned nor accumulated. It is unrelated to health status or any genetic or other personal characteristic.
7. All persons have inherent capacity for growth and expression. Every person has the right to be nourished physically, intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
8. 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 enable equal participation.

Statement of Purpose

1. CACL promotes the valued recognition of people with intellectual disabilities as citizens who have contributions to make to families, communities and society.
2. CACL promotes the valued recognition of families as gateways to inclusive community life for people with intellectual disabilities.
3. CACL promotes the establishment and maintenance of social and economic supports so that people with intellectual disabilities are welcomed and valued as full and self-determining members of the community.
4. CACL promotes a vision of society that is inclusive, respectful and supportive of the rights of all persons regardless of differences in intellectual or other abilities.
5. CACL promotes the elimination of discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, age, culture, race, ancestry, sexual orientation and other differences.