Individual & Family Rights of those with Developmental Disabilities

What you should know about the system for providing services at the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

DDD uses a network of Qualified Vendors to deliver most of its services. One of the key parts of the Qualified Vendor System is individual and family choice. All individuals and families receiving services are encouraged to be informed and to expect the highest quality of support and service.

Individuals and families have certain rights and responsibilities.

1. Your participation in the development of the Individual Support Plan is important. Individuals and families can agree or disagree with the plan.
2. You will need to provide required information and to contact your Support Coordinator about any change in that information.
3. You have the right to choose a provider or to have a provider automatically chosen for you.
4. You have the right to choose a Support Coordinator or to have a Support Coordinator automatically chosen for you.
5. You may request a change of provider, for any reason, at the annual Individual Support Plan meeting.
6. If you are not satisfied with services, you must give the provider an opportunity to make you satisfied. If you are still not satisfied, you may request a change in the provider through your Support Coordinator. You must provide evidence that you gave the provider a chance to improve.
7. Always treat the provider(s) as one would treat an employee, that is, with respect and dignity.
8. Check on and notice the quality of the support or service, and provide your comments to the provider(s) and caregivers.
9. You have the right to have your complaints, or grievances, heard according to the rules of the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Learn more about the rights and responsibilities of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).