They have a right to services and supports to help them live independent and productive lives

To receive services from regional centers, they must have a developmental disability

They have the right to make choices about their life and decisions about what services and supports they want and need

They have the same rights as any other person

They have the right to dignity and human care

They have a right to privacy

They have a right to participate in public education that meets their needs; public education must be available until the age of 22

They have a right to prompt medical care and treatment

They have a right to religious freedom and practice

They are entitled to participate in community activities

They have a right to physical exercise and recreation

They have the right to be free from harm, feel safe, and to be free from hazardous procedures

They have the right to access services and supports in the least restrictive environments

It is the place to go to get services and supports DD individuals need to live, work, learn, and enjoy their community

• RC’s must: give easily understandable information so that good choices can be made about services; help find and obtain the requested services; ensure that requested services and supports help fulfill goals

It will designate a service coordinator that is tasked with helping with IPP meetings; finding and securing services and supports discussed during the IPP; and be a point of contact to assist with all issues that arise

• If participant’s feel that their assigned service coordinator is not helpful, they have the right to request a new coordinator at any time

It will get services and supports that are cost-effective

• RC’s are not obligated to always pay for the services/supports, but they are obligated to help find and secure services/supports that are needed

They should help participants be more productive, active within the community, safe, healthy, alert, and independent

It is an agreement between the RC and the participant that lists all of the goals, services and supports

It must be written by the IPP team

• Participants are allowed to invite people to be a part of the team

• The team consists of the participant, those who know and care for the participant, and an RC member

It must be conducted at minimum every three years, but participants have the right to request it yearly

It cannot be changed without a meeting

An interpreter or facilitator must be assigned if requested by the participant

A recording is admissible during the meeting to ensure that nothing is forgotten or overlooked

It includes, goals and services/supports that RC is responsible in getting for the participant based on wants and needs

Participants have the right to request that the IPP be re-written if they are unable to understand it

It must be signed for services to begin

• Participants have the right to partially agree with it (if this is the case, then the participant is responsible for clarifying what parts are agreeable so that those services can begin while the rest is discussed again)

RC’s are responsible for getting all services/supports requested through the IPP

Another meeting can be called if a participant did not receive services/supports written in the IPP; the participant did not like the services/supports given; or if the participant’s needs change

Participants have the right to ask questions about any decisions made by RC’s

Any disagreement must be submitted to the RC in writing

There is a strict timeline and steps that must be followed when attempting to solve a problem with the RC

There are three options available when a disagreement occurs: a meeting, mediation, or a fair hearing

• Meet with an RC director to try and solve the disagreement

• Have a mediator talk to both sides and assist in finding a solution

• Have a judge make the final decision

Participants have the right to make choices about their lives and the services/supports they participate in, so it is acceptable to speak up when there is a disagreement