First in Families

First in Families > Guiding Principles

People with disabilities and/or their families are the experts regarding their own life choices.
Providers are respectful of and responsive to the direction given them by people with disabilities and/or their families.
People with disabilities and/or their families have the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities to contribute and participate in their communities as all other citizens.
Communities have a responsibility to support the needs of people with disabilities and/or their families.
People with disabilities and/or their families, professionals, community and business leaders and the general public need to work together in order to provide for a coordinated, effective resource base for people with disabilities and/or their families.

First in Families of the Sandhills Objectives

To acknowledge the rights and responsibilities of individuals and families to determine their own needs.
To empower individuals and families to develop strategies which enable them to meet these needs.
To encourage innovative and appropriate community responses to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
To create a network of Family Support resources within the community.
To respect the dignity and individuality of persons we serve.
To assist individuals and families with priority setting and utilization of resources as appropriate.