Shared Principles in a Transformed System

Principles can be thought of as guidelines for practice that reflect our values. We share the following principles as part of a transformed system.

Independent planning and facilitation is available for all individuals and families, and is separate from direct service provision.

Funds for disability supports are portable, and can be moved at the discretion of the person and their family/network.

Individualized funding is available for all disability supports and can be applied for by individuals, families/support networks.

All funding is attached to a person, regardless of the type of support they choose.

Funding for housing is separate from or de-linked from support programs.

Allocation mechanisms ensure that people have access, fairness and equity.

Accountability mechanisms are simple and understandable, and they create feedback about how plans and funding are fostering citizenship and participation.

Innovation is encouraged, supported and funded for service providers and others. It is a key mechanism for evolution and progress.

Strong autonomous family networks and People First groups are supported, and they have an important advocacy role in the transformed system.

We want to see these practical principles and directions used together to enable individuals and families to experience real transformation and full citizenship.

For the new story and individualized funding to work effectively, "Infrastructure supports should include the provision of information, independent facilitation and person-directed planning support, network building support, and ongoing implementation support, including payroll and administrative support."

Report of the Ontario Round Table on Individualized Funding, 2000