Our Individual’s Rights Policy shall be read and explained to each consumer receiving services within the first week of admission to our program. Achieve Ability promotes Individual’s Rights through our monthly PFP meeting and monthly newsletter. It will be communicated using all methods necessary, which include but not limited to assistive technology, Braille, large font print, sign language, individual’s language. Sizeable posters related to Individual’s Rights, see below, will be visible throughout the facility.

Each client shall have rights which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. A right to be treated with dignity, to have privacy and to be given humane care.
  2. A right to have safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, including furnishings and equipment to meet your needs.
  3. A right to be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse, or other actions of a punitive nature. To be free from restraining devices, neglect or excessive medication.
  4. A right to be informed by the licensee of provisions in the law regarding complaints, including the address and telephone number of the licensing agency, and of information regarding confidentiality.
  5. A right to attend religious services and activities. Participation in religious services and other religious functions shall be on a completely voluntary basis.
  6. A right to leave or depart the facility at any time, and to not be locked into any room or building, day or night. This does not prohibit the development of house rules, such as the locking exterior doors or windows, for the protection of the consumer.
  7. A right to visit a facility with a relative or authorized representative prior to admission.
  8. A right to have communications between the facility and your relatives or authorized representative answered promptly and completely, including any changes to the needs and services plan or individual program plan.
  9. A right to be informed of the facility’s policy concerning family visits. This policy shall encourage regular family involvement and provide ample opportunities for family participation in activities at the facility.
  10. A right to have visitors, including advocacy representatives, visit privately during waking hours provided the visits do not infringe upon the rights of other consumers.
  11. A right to possess and control your own cash resources.
  12. A right to wear your own clothes, to possess and use your own personal items, including your own toilet articles.
  13. A right to have access to individual storage space for your private use.
  14. A right to have access to telephones, to make and receive confidential calls, provided such calls do not infringe on the rights of other clients and do not restrict the availability of the telephone in emergencies.
  15. A right to promptly receive your unopened mail.
  16. A right to receive assistance in exercising your right to vote.
  17. A right to receive or reject medical care or health-related services, except for those whom legal authority has been established.
  18. A right to move from a facility in accordance with the terms of the admission agreement.[1]

[1] Title 22, Division 6 § 81072. Personal Rights.

11-RightsOfIndividualsWithDevelopmentalDisabilities