Guiding principles

SILC’s work is led by the principles of Enabling Good Lives – partnering with disabled people and others in the disability sector with the aim of long-term transformation.

The Enabling Good Lives principles are:

Self-determination

Disabled people are in control of their lives.

Beginning early

Investing early in families/whānau to support them to be aspirational for their disabled children; to build community and natural supports; and to support disabled children to become independent, rather than waiting for a crisis before support is available.

Person-centred

Disabled people have supports that are tailored to their individual needs and goals, and that take a whole-life approach rather than being split across programmes.

Ordinary life outcomes

Disabled people are supported to live an everyday life in everyday places; and are regarded as citizens with opportunities for learning, employment, having a home and family, and social participation – like others at similar stages of life.

Mainstream first

Disabled people are supported to access mainstream services before specialist disability services.

Mana enhancing

The abilities and contributions of disabled people and their families are recognised and respected.

Easy to use

Disabled people have supports that are simple to use and flexible.

Relationship building

Supports build and strengthen relationships between disabled people, their whānau and community.