67-6701. DECLARATION OF PURPOSE. The legislature finds that disability
is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of
individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently, to ex-
ert control and choice over their own lives, and to fully participate in and
contribute to their communities through full integration and inclusion in
all aspects of their lives; that individuals with developmental disabili-
ties comprise from 1.2 to 1.65 percent of the population; that individuals
with developmental disabilities are at greater risk of discrimination and
abuse, neglect, and exploitation; that individuals with developmental dis-
abilities and their families often do not have access to appropriate ser-
vices, support and other assistance to live independent lives in their homes
and communities; that an increasing number of people with developmental dis-
abilities are living at home with aging parents as primary caregivers; and
that services and programs are located within diverse agencies and organiza-
tions with no central point for coordination and cooperation, comprehensive
planning, evaluation, monitoring and advocating on behalf of people with de-
velopmental disabilities. This act is designed to assure that individuals
with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the de-
sign of, and have access to, needed community services, individualized sup-
ports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, inde-
pendence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of com-
munity life through culturally appropriate programs. This act is also in-
tended to assure the dignity of persons with developmental disabilities, by
reaffirming their rights, which are the same rights as other people of the
state of the same age and include the right to live as complete and normal
lives as possible and to develop their abilities and potential to the fullest
extent possible.
It is understood that the intention of this act is not to supersede the
authority or responsibilities of agencies of state government responsible
for providing services to persons with developmental disabilities.
[67-6701, added 1978, ch. 269, sec. 1, p. 618; am. 2002, ch. 113, sec.
1, p. 317.]