An Introduction to the Society

Society Principles 

KDSCL’s philosophy is predicated on the belief that every individual has the right to work toward achieving the same quality of life all people need to lead lives of self-fulfillment and meaning.

Achieving quality of life entails:

• Exposure to opportunities
• Freedom of choice
• Participation in community life
• Self-directedness

The people of KDSCL further believe that five concepts must be our guideposts to ensure that all we do maximizes the potential of each person receiving services to attain this quality of life. 

These five concepts are:    

• Socialization
• Empowerment
• Integration
• Inclusion
• Independence

Community Role 

KDSCL encourages everyone we serve to be responsible and self-determining by offering those in need with a hand up rather than encouraging dependency and lowering self-esteem. It is our intention to help families and individuals forge strong connections with the community. Therefore, our role is to increase public awareness and support around the issues and needs of adults with disabilities in the Kelowna area. This involves developing strategic partnerships with various sectors in the community and communicating our mission effectively. Finally, it is our role to demonstrate leadership and service excellence in all our endeavours.

Core Values 

KDSCL has established Codes of Ethics to guide the actions of staff / Board members, treatment of those receiving services, business / financial practices, and marketing. 

Each new staff and board member will be required to review and sign the pertinent code, indicating acceptance of it.  Any staff member who violates one of the agency’s Codes of Ethics may face corrective action.  Board action may be taken with any board member who violates the Code of Ethics. 

The core values that serve as roots for our Codes of Ethics are: 

• Respect for each other

Staff and board members will exercise thoughtful consideration of the needs of others—staff persons, board members and persons receiving services.

• Conciliation

Staff and board members act in a spirit of compromise and agreement. Each individual will hear and respect the other person’s point of view and be open to constructive discussion.

• Honesty

All staff and board members will deal honestly with other staff persons, board members, customers, and those receiving services.  The value of honesty cannot be compromised. We must be honest without being hurtful.

• Trust

Each of us will be non-judgmental on issues.  We will be supportive of others and responsive in any time of need.

Quality Service 

The Society, in the delivery of its services, strives to be effective and professional. It endeavours to implement ongoing measures of effectiveness, keep abreast of the most current research in related fields, and meet the current standards of service within the community. It subscribes to a code of ethics and ensures accountability to the community and the people it serves.

Community Resources 

The Society strives to be a good community citizen. It seeks to cooperate and form partnerships with other community agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, for the purpose of providing quality service for adults with disabilities within the community. It openly and freely shares information and resources that will enhance the lives of adults with disabilities.

Support for the Family Unit 

The Society believes that the family unit, in its varying forms, is the basic building block of society and actively supports the family’s efforts to meet the needs of its members.

Individual Rights, Growth, and Empowerment 

The Society believes that all individuals have the capacity for positive change and growth. Wherever possible, it seeks to provide individualized services and safe, positive, and nurturing services which foster individual growth, development and positive self-esteem.

 The Society recognizes and supports the fundamental rights of individuals. It believes that services that are voluntary, involve the clients, and employ the least intrusive method in the shortest period of time are most respectful of client rights.

Human Resources

The Society values people as its most important resource. It achieves its mission through the work of its volunteers and employees and strives to ensure they are adequately trained, supported and rewarded. The Society seeks opportunities to achieve congruence between individual and organizational goals and fosters the concept of teamwork.

Outcome Orientation

The Society believes that an outcome orientation and feedback are essential to providing effective service. To achieve this service, the Society strives to monitor the effectiveness of its services through a regular survey of client satisfaction.