Mission, Vision & Values

Our Vision

The vision of the Alliance is to be an international leader and resource for medical, nursing, dental, social work, and other health care and health-related professional curricula.

We recognize the benefits to students when they integrate research and evidence-based skills and strategies into their learning.

The Alliance also aims to establish professional standards and competencies that promote and deliver high-quality health care for all people with disabilities across the lifespan.

Our Values

Collaboration, equitable care, and the full participation of people with disabilities guide the Alliance's work.

Collaboration & participation

• A collaborative spirit shared among members.
• A diversity of ideas and viewpoints.
• Participation across a range of health care disciplines.
• Full and active participation of people with disabilities in health care design and delivery.

Equitable, person-directed care

• Equitable access to high-quality health care, including preventive care, based on informed consent and personal choice.
• A definable set of competencies for working effectively with people with disabilities across disciplines.
• Health care encounters informed by people with disabilities and, when applicable, their families or social networks.
• Patients with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and social networks as important participants in their own care.

Education & systems change

• Comprehensive federal and state policies that address the health care needs of people with disabilities.
• People with disabilities, their families, and social networks as partners and contributors in the education of health professionals.