VISION STATEMENT

We envision communities that provide inclusion, independence, and self-determination for persons of all abilities.

Ed Roberts: His Words, His Vision on YouTube

Ed Roberts: His Words, His Vision

PHILOSOPHY

Access II activities are based on three guiding principles:

 1.   CHOICE:  Many people with disabilities may not be aware of the options that might allow them to live more independently.  Access II educates consumers about available opportunities.  They choose to use what they have learned to set new goals.  Through community advocacy, Access II works to expand the available range of choices.

 2.   CONTROL:  Once consumers have chosen the goals they wish to pursue, Access II assists them in accomplishing their goals.  In this way, the consumers are in control, deciding what needs to be done and how to achieve it.  Access II’s policies are strongly influenced by consumer needs and interests.  Advocacy activities are consumer controlled as well.

 3.   CHANGE:  By learning to make independent choices and by taking control of their own decisions, consumers, with Access II’s support and assistance, move away from unnecessary dependency.  Access II itself, through community education and advocacy, works to encourage removal of institutional and attitudinal barriers to full inclusion of people with disabilities in community life.