Mission & Vision

Mission

The IOD promotes full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons by strengthening communities and advancing policy and systems change, promising practices, education, and research.

Vision

The IOD envisions a future where all people, including individuals living with disabilities, are fully engaged members of communities and where culturally appropriate supports that lead to independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life are available to individuals and families across the life span.

Values

The IOD values the participation of people with disabilities, the community, family members, and a culturally diverse membership in its governance and research, teaching, and service activities. The IOD works to advance principles of choice, family and consumer-directed supports, community inclusion and cultural competence throughout the life span. It does this through:

  • INTEGRITY ... in its working relationships, practices, and decisions.
  • LEADERSHIP... in generating and advancing promising practices.
  • EXCELLENCE ... both in its individual and collective actions.
  • SERVICE ... to communities, people with disabilities and their families, UNH, the public, and others who are affected by its work.
  • RESPECT ... for individuals’ roles, diversity, contribution, and viewpoints.
  • COOPERATION ... in the planning, management, and work of the IOD.
  • COMMITMENT ... to improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
  • PARTNERSHIPS ... with other individuals, diverse groups, organizations, and people with disabilities and their families.
  • OPENNESS ... in communications and decision-making.