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Honoring Support Partners: The Heart & Soul of Inclusive Communities
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week shines a spotlight on essential caregivers. At Values Into Action, we prefer the term Support Partner. This word captures the collaborative relationships between those offering and those receiving support. This blog is a reflection on the everyday work happening in homes and communities of people with disabilities. From daily guidance […]
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New Rule for Accessible Air Travel
Air travel should be a gateway to opportunity, not a barrier. Yet for many wheelchair users, flying has long been fraught with risk: damaged mobility devices, unsafe transfers, and a lack of dignity in the boarding process. That’s why the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Wheelchair Rule, finalized in December 2024, marked a landmark moment for […]
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Partnership in Action: Honoring a Career of Connection and Impact
At Values into Action, we are so grateful for the people who dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to supporting others. Today, we honor someone very special, Cathy Hinkle, a Support Partner who has made a lasting impact on all of us. Cathy has been with Values into Action for eleven years, working alongside Jessica […]
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Gratitude in Action: Honoring Direct Support Professionals
On August 19, 2025, our leadership team came together for a full day of connection, planning, and celebration. The day helped us think about the future, check in on our strategic goals, and honor the amazing work of our Support Partners (Direct Support Professionals/DSPs). Starting the Day with Vision Our Directors began the morning with […]
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From Pavement to Policy: How ADAPT Changed Public Transit Forever
Our mission at Values Into Action is to partner with people with disabilities to design and live their best lives. We believe that everyone should be welcomed and accepted in their communities—and that starts with making sure people can get where they need to go. In August 1984, a group of disability advocates called ADAPT […]
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20 Years of Innovation & Impact
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. […]
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Building Friendships, Building Quality
At Values Into Action, we believe that everyone deserves to feel connected—to friends, family, and their community. That’s why our current Quality Management Plan (QMP) includes a goal to help people build stronger relationships and feel more satisfied with their social lives. Why Connection Matters Feeling lonely can hurt your health. In fact, the U.S. […]
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A New Way to Work: Self-Managed Teams
We’re excited to share that our organization is moving to Self-Managed Teams (SMTs)—a new way of working that builds on the strengths we already have. What Are Self-Managed Teams? Self-Managed Teams are groups of employees who work together to make decisions, solve problems, and share responsibilities. Instead of relying on one person to lead, everyone contributes […]
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Reflections on Disability Pride Month
Why Disability Pride Month Matters Disability Pride Month celebrates the diversity of the disability community. It reminds us that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. It celebrates resilience, creativity, and individuality. That is by giving individuals with disabilities a space to express pride in who they are, without […]
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People Over Programs—Always
We are proud to share that Values Into Action was featured in the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Spotlight on Success: Rethinking Person-Centered HCBS—a national research initiative that highlights organizations leading the way in person-centered home and community-based services. Out of nearly 30 nominated organizations, Values Into Action was one of just four selected for our strong commitment to putting […]