CWIC 4502

California Welfare and Institutions Code 4502
Client’s Rights and Client’s Choice

Person with developmental disability, as defined by this sub chapter, is entitled to the same rights, protections, and responsibilities as all other persons under the Constitution and laws of the State of California. No otherwise qualified person by reason of having a developmental disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, which receive public funds. It is the intent of the Legislature that persons with developmental disabilities shall have rights including, but not limited to, the following:

1. A right to treatment and habilitation services and supports in the least restrictive environment. Treatment and habilitation services and supports should foster the developmental potential of the person and be directed toward the achievement of the most independent, productive, and normal lives possible. Such services shall protect the personal liberty of the individual and shall be provided with the least restrictive conditions necessary to achieve the purposes of the treatment, services, or supports.
2. A right to dignity, privacy, and humane care. To the maximum extent possible, treatment, services, and supports shall be provided in natural community settings.
3. A right to participate in an appropriate program of publicly supported education, regardless of degree of disability.
4. A right to prompt medical care and treatment.
5. A right to religious freedom and practice
6. A right to social interaction and participation in community activities.
7. A right to physical exercise and recreational opportunities.
8. A right to be free from harm, including unnecessary physical restraint, or isolation, excessive medication, abuse, or neglect.
9. A right to be free from hazardous procedures.
10. A right to make choices in their own lives, including but not limited to, where and with whom they live, their relationships with people in their community, the way they spend their time, including education, employment, and leisure, the pursuit of their personal future, and program planning and implementation.