Library: Policy

340:100-1-3.1. Mission statement and guiding principles

Revised 8-20-98

(a) The mission of the Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) is to design and operate a service system centered around the needs and preferences of citizens with developmental disabilities by:

(1) enabling persons with developmental disabilities to lead healthy, independent, and productive lives to the fullest extent possible;
(2) promoting the full exercise of their rights as citizens of their communities, state, and country; and
(3) promoting the integrity and well-being of their families.

(b) To support implementation of the mission statement appearing in subsection (a), the policies and practices of DDSD staff and providers are directed by the guiding principles in this subsection.

(1) Independence. We help people fulfill their personal goals, needs, and desires with as little intrusion from paid workers as possible.
- (A) People exercise control over their own lives to the fullest extent possible.
- (B) Supports are authorized for essential needs.
- (C) Supports enhance the self-sufficiency of families caring for children or adults with developmental disabilities.
- (D) Adults are, to the fullest extent possible, supported in integrated jobs where they are fully involved with their coworkers and responsible to their employer for the work they do.
- (E) Independence is maximized through assistive technology.
(2) Dignity. We respect the status of people we serve as citizens, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.
- (A) Interactions with people are based on respect.
- (B) People we serve exercise the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens.
- (C) Supports are authorized on the basis of need and individual preference.
- (D) People are not discriminated against because of their disability.
- (E) People are not grouped by disabilities or segregated because of them.
- (F) The resources of people are protected.
- (G) Senior adults are supported in preferred activities typically experienced after retirement.
(3) Privacy. We honor each person's right, need, and desire for privacy.
- (A) The confidentiality of each person is protected.
- (B) People are ensured privacy in written, verbal or personal communications.
- (C) People spend time alone or with friends when they wish.
(4) Individualization. We recognize and respond to the unique qualities, circumstances, and aspirations of each person.
- (A) Services and interactions enhance the self image and esteem of each person we serve.
- (B) Each person's strengths, talents, and interests guide the provision of supports and services.
- (C) People are encouraged to explore leisure pursuits that reflect personal interests and promote friendships with persons who do not have disabilities.
(5) Choice. We encourage people to make choices about their daily lives and services.
- (A) People we serve and their guardians are the primary decision makers regarding issues affecting their lives.
- (B) To the extent possible, people select their home and roommate(s).
- (C) People are provided information about the possible results of their choices.
- (D) Friends and advocates help people to make decisions when necessary.
- (E) The assistance of a guardian is secured when a court determines that an individual lacks the capacity to make decisions essential to maintenance of health or resources.
(6) Health. We promote the health of individuals receiving services.
- (A) People are assisted to understand their health needs and to secure treatment.
- (B) The health needs of each person are met by appropriately licensed or certified community practitioners.
- (C) Advocates and friends help to secure desired health services that are not available through private or public insurance.
(7) Safety. We promote the safety of people in all aspects of service delivery.
- (A) People we serve are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- (B) People providing supports display skills requisite to their responsibilities.
- (C) Safety issues are always considered during the development, implementation, and evaluation of supports.
- (D) People are protected from significant risk as a result of their choices.
- (E) People live in safe homes.
(8) Learning. We support each person's ability to develop relationships and to participate in personally meaningful activities.
- (A) Functional communication is a primary consideration in planning for and delivering supports.
- (B) Safety, security, and respect are the basis of learning and teaching relationships.
- (C) People are supported to gain independence and personal fulfillment while learning decision-making skills.
- (D) Potential issues with health, relationships, and environment are explored and addressed prior to the implementation of restrictive services.
- (E) Supports which address challenging behaviors:
  - (i) are positive;
  - (ii) use the least restrictive appropriate approach;
  - (iii) are designed and implemented with the participation and consent of the individual and guardian; and
  - (iv) focus on establishing bonds of companionship, trust, safety, and security between the person and those providing support.
- (9) Family. We encourage each individual's development and maintenance of caring relationships.
  - (A) Children live with families.
  - (B) The lives of adults include their families to the extent adults desire.
  - (C) Services support the stability and well being of families formed by adults.
  - (D) Adults are encouraged to develop bonds with significant others.
- (10) Inclusion. We support the integration of all people with developmental disabilities within their communities.
  - (A) Communities are encouraged to eliminate obstacles to the full inclusion of citizens with disabilities.
  - (B) People with disabilities use the same community resources as people who do not have disabilities.
  - (C) People contribute to and benefit from the enrichment of their communities through volunteer activities and membership in civic organizations.