Vision

The Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities plans that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities where the worth of every person is valued, individual needs are supported, and opportunities are barrier free.

Mission

To serve as an advocate for Alabama's citizens with developmental disabilities and their families; to empower them with the knowledge and opportunity to make informed choices and exercise control over their own lives; and to create a climate for positive socialchange to enable them to be respected, independent and productive integrated members of society.

Principles

1. People with developmental disabilities, including individuals with the most severe disabilities, are capable of achieving independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community.
2. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be recognized, supported and encouraged. All assistance to such individuals should be provided in an individualized manner.
3. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and supports they receive, and should play decision making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such individuals and their families.
4. Services, supports and other assistance are provided in a manner that demonstrates respect for individual dignity, personal preferences, and cultural differences.
5. Specific efforts must be made to ensure that individuals with disabilities from under represented groups enjoy effective and meaningful opportunities for full participation in the developmental disabilities service system.
6. Efforts to recruit professionals to work in the field of developmental disabilities must focus on bringing additional numbers of under-represented groups into the field to ensure that appropriate skills, knowledge, role models, and sufficient human resources are provided to effectively address the growing needs of an increasingly diverse population.
7. Communities can be responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and can be enriched by the full, active participation and contributions made by these individuals.
8. Individuals with developmental disabilities must have access to opportunities and the necessary supports to be included in community life, have interdependent relationships, live in homes and communities and make contributions to their families, community, state and nation.