AUCD Policy Talk features writing by both established and emerging leaders in the AUCD network and disability community about disability policy. We believe in all kinds of perspectives on disability as experienced through different ways. Storytelling about policy allows us to lift up real-life stories to connect individuals to our mission. AUCD’s believes in policies to improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, health, and service activities that achieve our vision. AUCD Policy Talk is where any person can find disability policy expertise from many voices in the field for a future in which all people, including those living with developmental and other disabilities, are fully included, participating members of their communities.
AUCD Mission, Vision, and Values
Vision
AUCD envisions a future in which all people, including those living with developmental and other disabilities, are fully included, participating members of their communities. We see equitable access to supports and services that reflect the preferences and values of diverse communities and that lead to self-determination, independence, productivity, and a healthy and satisfying quality of life.
Mission
AUCD’s mission is to advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, health, and service activities that achieve our vision.
Values
AUCD and its member organizations value:
- the participation of people with disabilities, family members, trainees, staff, and faculty in their programs, governance, and leadership;
- the broad cultural and linguistic diversity in our nation, its territories, and tribal communities;
- diversity that is inclusive of race, ethnicity, culture, age, disability, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and socio-economic status;
- self-determination of people with disabilities;
- individual and family-centered care;
- cultural and linguistic competence in our services and supports, training activities, research, and dissemination efforts;
- the recognition of interdependence and mutual reliance of all individuals within the contexts of their communities;
- the view of disability as a natural part of the human experience across all ages, cultures, and identities.
AUCD Policy Talk 