Persons with disabilities have often been stereotyped as people who “need to be protected by society,” but that image needs to be swept aside through a paradigm shift toward viewing them as “contributors to society.” Red Oak empowers and strengthens inclusion of people with disabilities through key programmes, actions and tools, including community based and focused activities. It provides protection and programmes accessible to persons with disabilities and creates conditions in which people with disabilities do not suffer discrimination, and participate in decisions on an equal footing with other persons of concern.