The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) has set out seven core values within its public participation framework. This project seeks to model these core values, which are in line with the ethos of the disability advocacy sector itself. IAP2’s (2007) core values are:
- Public participation is based on the belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision making process.
- Public participation includes the promise that the public’s contribution will influence the decision.
- Public participation promotes sustainable decisions by recognising and communicating the needs and interests of all participants, including decision makers.
- Public participation seeks out and facilitates the involvement of those potentially affected by or interested in a decision.
- Public participation seeks input from participants in designing how they participate.
- Public participation provides participants with the information they need to participate in a meaningful way.
- Public participation communicates to participants how their input affected the decision.