1.

We shall promote civil rights, (equal rights and opportunities) for all; no segregation by disability type or any other demographic characteristic or stereotype.

2.

The Individuals we serve are consumers because a consumer is a person using or buying a service or product and that person decides what is best for him/herself.

3.

We believe in de-institutionalization as no person should be institutionalized (formally by a building, program, or family) on the basis of a disability.

4.

We support de-medicalization because individuals with disabilities are not "sick," as prescribed by the assumption of the medical model and do not generally require treatment from certified medical professionals for daily living.

5.

We encourage and sanction the use of self-help and peer expertise as people learn and grow from discussing their concerns, needs, issues, and the manner by which society creates barriers  with people who have had similar experiences.  

6.

We perform and promote Systems Advocacy because systemic, systematic, long-term, and community-wide change activities are needed to remove attitudinal and physical barriers and such advocacy can help to ensure people with disabilities benefit from all that general society has to offer.

7.

We believe in the urgent need for barrier-removal because in order for civil rights, consumerism, de-institutionalization, de-medicalization, and self-help to occur, architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers must be removed.

8.

We strongly support consumer control of Centers and other disability-related organizations   as we have observed that historically the organizations best suited to support and assist individuals experiencing disabilities are governed, managed, staffed, and operated by individuals with disabilities.

9.

We believe in the active promotion of peer role models as leadership for independent living and disability rights is vested in individuals with disabilities (not parents, service providers or other representatives)

10.

We believe in a broad disability culture and community and thus support cross-disability activities designed to promote disability rights for all persons experiencing any type of disability or activities that foster disability pride.