* Background is here if you need it. Envision Unlimited Board Chair Mary Kay Krupka and President Mark McHugh…
At Envision Unlimited we wake up every single day on a mission to support people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities with quality services that promote choice, independence and inclusion for all. Our members (how our clients prefer to be known) and caregivers represent an extraordinarily underserved and underinvested community of people who not only struggle with financial and medical burdens, but with the challenges of living in a world that all too often does not treat or accept them as equals.
We value all people with disabilities. Our members are our peers and participate in every part of the organization. Everyone benefits when we recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that people with disabilities bring to our lives.
It was brought to our attention that one of our board members made comments that were wholly inconsistent with our values and code of ethics as an organization and at their core insensitive and insulting to the very people and families that we serve. We immediately convened our board’s executive committee to discuss the situation and unanimously decided to remove this individual from our board.
This action has everything to do with ensuring that we treat others, especially those who live with disabilities, with respect, understanding and kindness. We are proud to have a diverse board and staff that come from a variety of industries, lived experiences, political affiliations and geographies, as there are no boundaries when it comes to living with disabilities or serving those who live with them. Our loyalty and commitment lie first and foremost with the members and caregivers we serve, and it is our proud privilege to do so with empathy, every time and everywhere.
I’ve reached out to Proft for comment. I was told he raises $100K or so a year for the group, which does a lot of good work.
…Adding… Proft goes on long rant in response.
