Guiding principles
The Guiding Principles are the values that underpin the vision and all other elements of the State Disability Plan.
The Principle of Equality recognises that people with a disability are citizens who have the right to be respected and the right to have equal opportunities to participate in the social, economic, cultural, political and spiritual life of society.
As citizens, people with a disability also have equal responsibilities towards Victorian society and should be supported to exercise these.
The Principle of Dignity and Self-Determination (Choice) is about respecting and valuing the knowledge, abilities and experiences that people with a disability possess, supporting them to make choices about their lives, and enabling each person to live the life they want to live.
The Principle of Diversity is about recognising and valuing individual difference. Inclusive societies are strengthened by the diversity of their populations and by the contribution that each person makes to the social, economic, cultural, political and spiritual life of society.
The Principle of Non-Discrimination implies that all people have the right to live their lives free from discrimination. This means that society must set right all forms of discrimination – including both active and passive forms of discrimination, and unfair and outdated standards, laws, policies and practices.
It also means recognising and valuing people's differences. Failing to embrace these differences is itself discriminatory.