Principles & Philosophies
In pursuit of our mission, we operate services that are founded on the following Principles and Philosophies. We commit to:
The Concept of Normalization
The Society shall provide and/or develop services based on the principles of "Supported Inclusion", "Social Role Valorization" and "Normalization". Normalization is defined as the "utilization of means which are as culturally normative as possible, in order to establish, enable, or support personal behaviours, appearances, and interpretations which are as culturally normative as possible.”Individual Rights
The Society is committed to upholding the human and legal rights of persons in the service system.Community Based Service Development
The Society is committed to the operation and development of community based services so as to provide a permanent alternative to the institutionalization of citizens who have intellectual disabilities. The Society shall further ensure that the development of community based services is conducted in such a manner as to promote the highest possible degree of social and economic integration of citizens who have intellectual disabilities into the life of the community.Comprehensive Systems
The Society shall provide a range of residential services which will ensure that suitable options are available so that the individual can develop to, and maintain, their optimum level. This assumes that each individual will be enabled to function in the least restrictive living situation possible.Service System Coordination
The Society is committed to the coordination of services with all other services for persons who have intellectual disabilities.Utilization of Generic Services
The Society shall accept the responsibility to ensure that persons served by the Society utilize such generic services as are available.Regionalization
The Society shall give first priority to providing community based residential services to individuals who are from the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). If someone from outside HRM has a specialized non-residential need which can only be met with HRM (e.g. medical), the Society shall attempt to provide a suitable residential service. Otherwise, the Society will promote regional service development throughout the province.Planning and Orientation to the Future
The Society shall plan its future programs in cooperation with other services and/or planning bodies, by assessing the future needs of current residents and projected needs of individuals who have intellectual disabilities within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).Program Quality
The Society is committed to the operation and development of a quality of service which enhances dignity and reflects individual's needs.Evaluation and Assessment
The Society is committed to on-going evaluation and assessment of programs and policies to ensure that high quality service is maintained.Individual Program Planning
The Society shall ensure that the individual resident's program plan is developed to coordinate with the other services they require.Staff Quality and Development
The Society is committed to employing and developing staff who will provide the best quality of service.Innovative Services
The Society shall ensure that there is an awareness of new techniques, trends, and developments in the field of residential services and, where appropriate, will utilize same.Appropriate Resident Groupings
The Society shall ensure that residence groupings are responsive to the needs and interests of individuals.Economy
The Society is committed, in the provision of its residential services, to maximize cost benefit and cost effectiveness while ensuring that the residents' best interests are met.Family
The Society acknowledges the Family (and other significant relationships) as integral in the lives of residents and welcomes family participation and involvement as partners in responding to the needs and aspirations of residents.