KFI provides values-based services and supports. As such, we embrace a set of beliefs that determine how we go about supporting people. These beliefs are rooted in Social Role Valorization (SRV) theory. We believe that the lives of people with disabilities are ultimately enhanced by supports that recognize and strive to accomplish the following:
Living in typical homes such as apartments and houses in the community that are situated in desirable neighborhoods and where KFI does not own the property or hold the lease.
Focusing not on care-giving as our human service role, but on assisting people to obtain and maintain adult roles that are valued by our society, including employee, head of household, friend, member, volunteer, neighbor, business owner, traveler, taxpayer, voter, etc.
Rejecting and working to dispel common stereotypes and devalued roles often cast upon people with disabilities such as that of child, burden, object of pity or ridicule, menace, diseased.
Respecting the right of people with disabilities to determine their own destiny and make their own informed choices. Since people with disabilities have often had little opportunity to learn decision-making in the same ways others have, people receive assistance to learn decision-making strategies, get information in ways they can understand and rely on good support while learning from new experiences.
Sharing the responsibility for creating a desirable lifestyle and coordinating the supports needed as part of the partnership agreement between the people being supported, their families, case managers, and KFI.
Maintaining high expectations. Since we know that most people with disabilities have been terribly underestimated and often have not had access to the kind of supports that result in their optimal success, we strive to encourage high expectations for people we support.
Addressing the relationship void experienced by many people with disabilities by assisting them in conscious and intentional ways to make friends (including with citizens who are unpaid and nondisabled) and deepen their personal social networks.
Honoring the social expectation of contributing by helping people recognize their talents and potential contributions and identifying ways to put these gifts to good use in paid employment, volunteer roles, and/or social helping.
Supporting people to spend their days in meaningful ways that help them move closer and closer to their desired dream. People we support often spend their days working, volunteering, attending to business in the community, and performing household tasks.
Avoiding congregation! Participation in congregate day programming is discouraged because of the detrimental impact of segregation (low expectations, negative roles, etc). Likewise, people are encouraged to avoid social groupings that bring together people based solely on disability. Grouping people with disabilities is stigmatizing, even in small groups. Instead, KFI focuses on helping people become known as a gifted individual to other members of the community.
Having access to routine opportunities to grow and develop intellectually, socially, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
