What is an example of a "core value"? The concept of value-based services forces an agency to define its vision by listing the values which will underlay all decisions driving policy and practice. Value-based services are driven by this belief system. One example of a core value might be the following statement, "The only person qualified and capable of making decisions regarding their future is the consumer". Another example might be, "We will provide consumers access to the most modern technology available to promote maximum independence and employability".

All of us are familiar with such statements, but often we take them for granted. "Of course we believe in these values", many would say. However, an essential question is whether these values are emphasized from the highest levels of administration down to the community provider level, and if systems are in place to evaluate whether or not they are practiced. That is the difference in this approach to accreditation.

This approach assumes certain core values can be determined and agreed upon by a diverse, heterogeneous group of consumers, service providers, and funding sources. Consumer's participation in defining core values is paramount. The same is true when it comes to conducting on-site reviews of agencies and programs.

Defining core values is a complex process, one that Merlin would like your assistance. Merlin's goal is to gather and compile your input, feed it back to you, ask your participation in clarifying value statements, and to help establish consensus. The area of focus for this attempt will be services provided by state VR agencies serving people with vision loss. Other areas of service will be addressed at another time if this process proves feasible.

Statements of core values must be specific, measurable, relevant, and lend themselves to criterion-based documentation. A scenario for a model process will be described elsewhere in this volume.