34-B M.R.S. § 5610

1. Guiding service delivery. The delivery of services by providers of services and the department to persons with intellectual disabilities, autism or acquired brain injuries is guided by the following. A. Persons with intellectual disabilities, autism or acquired brain injuries have the same rights as all citizens, including the rights to live, work and participate in the life of the community. [PL 2021, c. 284, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).] B. Community inclusion is achieved by connecting persons and their families, whenever possible, to local and generic supports within the community and by the use of residential services that are small and integrated into the community. [PL 2007, c. 356, §27 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 356, §31 (AFF).] C. Real work for real pay for persons in integrated settings in the community is the cornerstone of all vocational and employment services. [PL 2007, c. 356, §27 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 356, §31 (AFF).] D. Service delivery to persons with intellectual disabilities, autism or acquired brain injuries is based on the following fundamentals: (1) Maximizing the growth and development of the person and inclusion in the community; (2) Maximizing the person's control over that person's life; (3) Supporting the person in that person's own home; (4) Acknowledging and enhancing the role of the family, as appropriate, as the primary and most natural caregiver; and (5) Planning for the delivery of community services that: (a) Promotes a high quality of life; (b) Is based on ongoing individualized assessment of the strengths, needs and preferences of the person and the strengths of that person's family; and (c) Identifies and considers connections in other areas of the person's life, including but not limited to family, allies, friends, work, recreation and spirituality. [PL 2021, c. 284, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 284, Pt. A, §23 (AMD).]