Your Rights

When you receive services from an agency you have certain rights during the term of your services. You have the right:

1. To select your own vocational goals and have full involvement and final approval on all plans they help you with or make for you.

2. To be treated with dignity and respect and every issue explained to you so that you understand each aspect of your program.

3. To have all your affairs and your case handled with privacy and confidentiality.

4. To involve others in the planning process, (spouse, parents, guardian, advocates, etc.), so long as you understand it is you they are providing services for.

The agency you choose to provide your services has a corporate philosophy on client rights that is included in the handbook you have or will be given.

Expanded Example of Client Rights

• You are an individual first, entitled to the privileges and respect that follow from the highest ethical standards with rights to privacy, personal choice, independence, individuality and management of your own life style.

• You are an adult, responsible for achieving skills which lead to the rewards of a full life, entitled to take risks in order to learn, while retaining the privilege of being right or wrong.

• You are a citizen of your community and, as such, are entitled to the benefits of laws and order and to the accessibility of business, schools and industry.

• You are entitled to an opportunity to work as a contributing member of the community and also entitled to recognition for personal achievement.

• You have a right to dignity, privacy and equitable treatment.

• You shall be entitled to send and receive sealed mail.

• You shall have access to private telephone communications, within regular work hours.

• You shall have a right to receive educational services appropriate to your needs, regardless of chronological age, disability, nature or severity of disability.

• You shall have the right to keep and use your own personal possession, unless you bring a dangerous weapon to work.

• You shall have the right to receive prompt and adequate medical treatment for any physical ailments and for the prevention of any illness or injury.

• AGENCY/ORGANIZATION (NAME OF AGENCY) forbids corporal punishment or discipline in any form.

• You shall have the opportunity for religious worship in your own way. You will not be compelled to engage in any religious activities nor required to participate in any activity, which conflicts with your religious beliefs.

• Participants shall have a right to suitable opportunities for interaction with others, except where a professional person responsible for a particular individual’s service plan restricts such opportunities and documents the reasons. Such a restriction must be renewed at each review, if it is to continue.

• Each participant has a right to an individualized service program, which will maximize his/her abilities and enhance his/her ability to cope with his/her environment.

• Participants shall have a right to the least restrictive conditions necessary to achieve maximum vocational attainment.

• Participants shall have the right to integrate with non-disabled peers, counselors and supervisors.

• Each participant has the right of individual choice.

 

As you explore our site, the list of frequently asked questions and success stories from others who have met their goals may be of assistance to you, as well as information about our referral services and person-centered planning approach. Finally, we have provided a list of resources for individuals that may be useful.