Blogs

Below was a response to an article which was sent to many by Ms. Martha Brock. It addressed the evolution from the term "consumer" to the word "customer." (Bringing a New Customer to Social Services, Governing Magazine 11/09). It spurred some interesting discussion about terminology with regard to people who have been diagnosed with mental illness.
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It is challenging to have a dialog about how we define people (referencing people as "consumers" of social services), but the discussion is timely and warranted. NOW IS THE TIME FOR NORTH CAROLINA TO RECONSIDER THE VALUES AND PHILOSOPHY which have underpinned our service development and provision.

Below is a link to a fairly clear summary of the health care plan passed in the House over the weekend. Additionally, I've posted articles from the US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) and from the Justice for All Action Network.

As my mother has said, to the average person these reform measures can seem rather confusing. But as you'll see from reading the article, policy wonks, including Andrew Emperato of the American Association of People with Disabilities seems pleased, as do others. His organization crosses many disability areas, including persons having mental health related disabilities and cognitive/developmental disabilities.

The Board of Directors of NC CANSO is pleased to share with you its mission, vision, and values. The really cool thing about this is that in spite of limited resources, the board members participated either on line or in person with creating the message! We are eager to share it, as we think that NOW is the time for consumers/self-advocates to articulate their character and empower their roles in their communities and in advocacy!

MISSION:
The mission of NC CANSO is to develop a culturally diverse, statewide organization of self-advocates and/or consumers. NC CANSO will help empower people to direct their own lives according to their hopes and dreams.

VISION:
All we want are lives well lived!

VALUES:
NC CANSO values . . .