Client Bill of Rights

1. Inform each client, parent (if the client is a minor), or legal representative, of the client's rights and the rules of the Center;
2. Inform each client, parent (if the client is a minor), or legal representative, of the client's medical condition, and developmental and behavioral status as identified by the Center;
3. Allow and encourage individual clients to exercise their rights as clients, and as citizens of the United States, including the right to file complaints, and the right to due process;
4. Allow individual clients to manage their financial affairs and teach them to do so to the extent of their capabilities while in the care of the Center except as contraindicated by factors identified in the individual habilitation plan;
5. Ensure that clients are not subjected to physical, verbal, sexual or psychological abuse or punishment while in the care of the Center;
6. Ensure that clients are free from unnecessary drugs and physical restraints and are provided active treatment to reduce dependency on drugs and physical restraints while in the care of the Center;
7. Provide each client with the opportunity for personal privacy and ensure privacy during treatment and care of personal needs while in the care of the Center;
8. Ensure that clients are not compelled to perform services for the Center and ensure that clients who do work for the Center are compensated for their efforts at prevailing wages and commensurate with their abilities;
9. Use methods of service provision which are least restrictive and consistent with the developmental needs, strengths, and desires of the individuals;
10. Use patterns of daily living and activities such as work and training times, meal times and see that working and sleeping hours follow the rhythm of life in the community and reflect personal choice.
11. Use training content, methods, and materials that are culturally normative and age appropriate for the client when viewed by his peers who do not have disabilities;
12. Observe special days and personal events on an individual basis and in an age-appropriate manner;
13. Have, and follow, policies and procedures regarding the Center's interaction, communication, and cooperation with other agencies that provide advocacy, guardianship and protective services;
14. Respond to inquiries from families and legal representatives in a supportive, timely and confidential manner;
15. Allow agency staff who are directly involved with the client opportunities to talk with the client's family and legal representative concerning the client's day-to-day activities;
16. Practice prompt and compassionate notification to the client's family and legal representative of unusual occurrences, such as a serious illness, accident or death;
17. Allow visitation to all parts of the Center that provide services to the individual and at reasonable times without prior notice with due regard for the client's right of privacy;
18. Involve the family or legal representative and client in decision making regarding the selection and direction of services provided;
19. Provide information to families and legal representatives for informed decisions about service provision;
20. Adapt information provided to families, legal representatives and clients which takes into consideration cultural, educational, language, and socioeconomic characteristics of the family being served.
21. Use methods of service provision which preserve and enhance the clients’ significant relationships