Individualized Funding: Vision, Rights and Principles

1.  The Vision of Individualized Funding

Individuals who need support in order to participate in society will control the funding for the services that they choose in order to live their own lives.

2.  A Statement of Rights

• Individuals have the right to make decisions about their lives.
• Individuals have the right to full participation as citizens in society.
• Individuals who cannot speak in traditional ways have the right to be represented in their decision-making by trusted people they have chosen, and with whom they have a personal relationship.

3.  The Principles of Individualized Funding

• IF provides the resources that each individual judges to be necessary for participation as a citizen in society.
• IF is based on the needs of the individual, as defined by the individual or trusted representatives.
• IF dollars are paid directly to the individual (through whatever process is appropriate for the individual) or to support groups established by the individual.
• IF dollars are portable within and across regional boundaries, ministries and departments of government.

Source: The above content has been modified slightly for an international audience, however, it is based closely on  the vision, rights and principles that are found in the following document: Report on the Individualized Funding Conference, June 8 & 9, 1997, Vancouver, BC, CANADA

NOTE: Individualized Funding has the following additional caveats:

• Individualized Funding is not entitlement based nor is it assessment based. It does not assess funding limits by categories or classifications.
• Individualized Funding looks beyond funding for basic and disability related needs and provides the funds necessary for community living. These needs are understood to include such considerations as safety and security, mobility and citizenship.
• Individualized Funding places the onus on the funder to dispute that needs should be funded.
• Individualized Funding is a method for disbursing dollars. It does not necessarily increase the number of individuals receiving funding nor does it necessarily increase the dollars to be disbursed.