Given this background and the realization that the organization could never raise enough funds or have enough staff to “fix” the Western Slope for persons with disabilities, it became apparent that a new way of strategically deploying staff and funding to make a difference was needed.

The Board decided that a focus on empowerment of consumers to find and use the services in the community that they need to live independent lives would be a better strategy than the current model of services. Informing and empowering consumers about disability related issues so that they themselves could speak out for a more accessible community could increase the rate of integration and their own self esteem. Providing information and services that allow individuals to create a life in the community without the constant support of CFI staff could result in a better outcome for consumers and allow more people to be served.

With this new focus in mind, here are the questions that the Board and staff will use to evaluate current and proposed services.

Introduction

What is the Center for Independent living?

Questions to Ask When Deciding on Services

The Vision

The Consumer Survey

What Staff, Board and Key Informants Said