Our Philosophy
P.C.L.S. Inc. draws its philosophy from The Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act (ALIDA). The ALIDA is the act that was developed in 1996 to promote and protect the rights of adults living with a mental disability to meet their basic needs. The ALIDA reflects a code of conduct that has been inherent in Pulford's policies since its inception in 1986.
The seven guiding principles of the ALIDA outline the philosophy that Pulford strives to uphold. These principles are paraphrased as follows:
- Adults living with an intellectual disability are presumed to have the capacity to make decisions on matters affecting their lives, unless demonstrated otherwise.
- Adults living with an intellectual disability should be encouraged to make their own decisions.
- An adult living with an intellectual disability's support network should be encouraged to assist them in making decisions to enhance their independence and self-determination.
- Assistance with decision making should be provided in a manner which respects the privacy and dignity of the adult living with intellectual disabilities and should be the least restrictive and least intrusive form of assistance that is appropriate in the circumstances.
- Substitute decision making should be invoked only as a last resort when an adult living with an intellectual disability needs decisions to be made and is unable to make these decisions, either by themselves or with the involvement of members of their support network.
- Adults living with an intellectual disability can expect that their rights will be protected and respected to ensure full, equal, and effective participation and inclusion in society.
- Adults living with an intellectual disability along with all Canadians have equal rights and freedom from discrimination.