3.02 – Rights of Persons with Developmental Disabilities

The rights of persons with developmental disabilities include but are not limited to:

• The right to be treated at all times with courtesy and respect. Recognizing their dignity and individuality.
• The right to an appropriate, safe, and sanitary living environment that complies with local, state, and federal standards. Recognizing the persons need for privacy and independence.
• The right of food adequate to meet the accepted standards of nutrition.
• The right to practice the religion of their choice or abstain from the practice of religion.
• The right of access to necessary ancillary services. (PT, OT, behavioral modification, psych services)
• The right of timely access to appropriate medical and dental treatment.
• The right to privacy. Including both periods and places of privacy.
• The right to receive appropriate care and treatment in the least intrusive manner.
• The right to communicate freely with persons of their choice.
• The right to ownership and use of personal possessions.
• The right to social interaction with members of either sex.
• The right of access to opportunities that develop human potential.
• The right to pursue vocational opportunities to enhance economic independence.
• The right to be treated equally as citizens under the law.
• The right to be free from emotional, psychological, and physical abuse.
• The right to participate in appropriate programs of education, training, recreation, and social development.
• The right to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
• The right to select an advocate to act on their behalf.
• The right to manage personal financial affairs, based on individual ability to do so.
• The right to voice grievances and recommend changes without coercion, discrimination, or reprisal.
• The right to confidential treatment of all personal and medical records.
• The right to be free from unnecessary chemical or physical restraints.
• The right to participate in the political process.
• The right to refuse medical, psychological, or other research or experiments.

Last Revised: 5/20/22