Common Vision for Real Transformation
Citizenship
Self-determination
Inclusion and community engagement
Individual and family empowerment
Citizenship embraces both self-determination and community. Citizenship is a value we take for granted, but people with disabilities are often denied the rights and responsibilities of being a full citizen. Citizenship involves access to rights, valued status, and full participation (I have the same rights as others...I am important...I can participate everywhere in my community). Citizenship also involves choosing from a range of community opportunities that enable one to learn, explore, and participate. Citizenship is seen as one of the bridges between community and hospitality. Mark Kingwell describes citizenship as "a way of meeting one's deepest needs, the need to belong; it gives voice and structure to the yearning to be part of something larger than ourselves." Enhancing citizenship with hospitality and participation is one of the hallmarks of individualized supports that work for people.