A new baseline based on values requires a different perspective on the use of public funds. Throughout the movement, there is increasing recognition that public funds must be invested wisely. The principles of self determination include responsibility for the wise use of public funds. Increasingly, in the competition for scarce resources, it is clear that unless there is a common agenda for inclusion, valued outcomes will not result. Too many resources will be devoted to services which create barriers to participation rather than support it.
We have been talking about the fact that people should have choice about what to do with public money. In my mind it isn't about choice, it is about the wise investment of public funds, we now know more than we used to know and public investment should be spent on the things that are going to lead to different outcomes.
Derrick DuFresne, President, Community Resource Associates (CRA)
"Stewardship" has to do with value for values. We've forgotten the fact that somebody is paying taxes so that we might do what we do. So in my mind we have to be able to figure out a way, and it is our job as people in service to articulate, value for values.
I think we have every right and responsibility to ask people with disabilities to define for us what those [important and valued] things are.
Bill Bowman, Santa Ana CA, CEO, Regional Center of Orange County
This means that the system must be focused on an explicit set of values combined with the leadership to ensure that those values actually drive what happens in the system.