Twenty years ago, Values Into Action was created with a bold idea: people with disabilities and their families should lead the way in designing lives full of meaning and connection. As someone who has grown with this organization since 2009, I’m proud to share how our work has changed lives and continues to do so.
Rewinding to 2007
Let’s go back to 2007. Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” was on the radio, the first iPhone had just launched, and Facebook was becoming a place where people shared their stories. At the same time, disability advocates were pushing for better policies and more choices. That year, Values Into Action received the Innovator of the Year Award, recognizing our new way of doing things – putting people in charge of their own lives.
What Innovation Means to Us
Innovation is not just something we do – it’s who we are. It’s one of our core values. We believe that real change happens when we listen, trust, and build supports that fit people’s lives. We don’t settle for “the way it’s always been.” We ask, “What’s possible?”
Innovation at Values Into Action means listening, trusting, and building supports that fit people’s lives. It means saying “yes” to possibility and “no” to anything that limits dignity or choice.
Our commitment to innovation shows up in many ways:
- Direct Services designed tailored to the person’s interests and preferences. People have control over where and with whom to live, how their time is spent, and selecting and deselecting support staff.
- Supports Brokering in Pennsylvania: We’ve helped hundreds of people and families take charge of their services through the Participant Directed Services model. Our Supports Brokers guide people through planning, hiring, and building community connections—all based on what matters most to them.
- Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining Services (HTTS): We support people in finding and keeping homes of their own. This includes help with budgeting, applying for housing assistance, building relationships with landlords, and learning tenant rights. We also help people avoid eviction by catching problems early and offering coaching and support.
- Founding the Collaborative for Citizen Directed Supports in New Jersey and the Alliance for Citizen Directed Supports nationwide: These groups bring together people, families, and providers to share ideas and push for better policies. They help make sure that self-directed supports are available and strong.
Each of these efforts shows how we innovate in partnership—with people, families, and allies who believe in the power of self-direction and community.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I’m thankful to Marian Frattarola-Saulino and Paul Saulino for starting this movement, and to every person who has trusted us along the way. I’m proud to be a part of this vibrant community working to make things better.
Here’s to the next 20 years full of change, innovation and partnership.