Integrated Independent Living Philosophy
CORIL continued to build on our work of revising and building on our new vision, mission and values statements of 2006.
We saw a need to integrate all of our services whether serving people who have developmental disabilities or those with physical disabilities under one primary Philosophy. This Philosophy is strength-based in nature in that it communicates what great things people with disabilities can achieve when they are given the appropriate supports and opportunities. We believe it is about abilities, not disabilities and that everything beyond our limited imaginations are possible when we focus on self-direction, empowerment and full choice.
Along with our Vision, Mission and Values commitments, this Integrated Philosophy is leading us to build a specific outcomes based measurement system to document how our program participants are achieving new skills in the areas of Belonging, Achievement, Independence and Generosity. Adopted from a well know system called the Circle of Courage, our staff and volunteers are now engaging our participants to set up goals that they choose and are meaningful to them in the areas of strengthening both their personal and job relationship skills, creating a new thirst for constantly learning new things, gaining daily in greater independence and control over their own lives and finding new purpose in giving back to their communities and helping others.