Section 117.115  Principles

a)         Individuals and their families or legal guardians shall select the needed supports and services.

b)         Individuals shall live in homes of their choosing in communities with or near family and friends and other individuals who are important to them.

c)         Services shall be designed as described in Subparts B and C of this Part and provided to enhance the individual's existing natural social support network of family, friends, and acquaintances within the larger community of persons without disabilities, as well as social contacts among peers and paid caregivers.

d)         Individuals and their families or legal guardians shall be permitted to experience decision-making and risk in order to enhance personal growth.

e)         Individuals shall not be obligated to participate in a particular training program or activity because it is part of the program structure or for the convinence of staff.

f)         The type, intensity and source of support services shall vary according to the individual's needs, other supports available and personal preferences, shall promote community integration, independence and self-sufficiency, and shall change as the individual's needs and preferences change.

g)         Training and assistance shall be provided to the extent possible in natural environments during the course of a normal day.  This includes participating in general community life, school, work and leisure activities and accessing general community goods and services, rather than participating primarily or only within the service system with other persons with disabilities and paid caregivers.

h)         The values of integration, individuality, personal choice and skill enhancement shall also encompass health, leisure and recreational activities, social services and education, as well as family and home-based supports.

i)          Use of generic (non-disability) community resources such as church, Y.M.C.A., Y.W.C.A., educational, clubs, shopping and recreation shall be preferred over segregated programs for special populations, to the extent consistent with the needs of the individual and family.  However, if it is difficult for the individual to use generic resources without support, support tailored to the individual's needs shall be offered.

j)          Family support must focus on the family unit.  Family support should be broadly defined so as to respond to the needs of all members of the family, including the individual with a developmental or mental disability, parents, siblings, and other extended family members living within the household.