VIA supports the right of people with learning difficulties:

• to exercise choice
• to have their views and preferences acted on
• to be treated with the same dignity and respect as other people
• to live in the same way and in the same places as other people
• to have equal opportunities in school, college, work and leisure

VIA is a UK-wide campaigning organisation and registered charity which works to promote the right of people with learning difficulties to become citizens with full access to the opportunities of ordinary community life; and to promote the development of policies, services and public attitudes which will achieve that aim.

VIA campaigns with people who have learning difficulties to eradicate discrimination against them and to ensure that their rights as human beings are respected.

VIA is a membership organisation, founded in 1971 as the Campaign for People with Mental Handicaps. Although it has not often had a high public profile, it has been extremely effective in influencing public policy and professional thinking.

VIA carries out its work through:

• research and development of good practice;
• provision of advice and information to policy makers at national and local levels;
• publication of books and reports to publicise and promote best practice
• conferences and training for people with learning difficulties, their supporters, practitioners, managers and commissioners of services.

Much of VIA's work is project-based and, as a result, the staff team varies in size. Currently there are 2 core staff, 3 project staff and 1 senior project officer.

Meet our staff on the contacts page.

© 2008 Values Into Action