Principles of the Disability Services Act
The Disability Services Act explains some principles which guide us when working with people with disabilities. Take a look at the ten principles below. These principles reflect the way that most people expect to be treated.
People with disabilities:
- are individuals who have the inherent right to be respected for their human worth and dignity.
- whatever their origin, nature, type or degree of disability, have the same basic human rights as other members of society and should be enabled to exercise those rights.
- have the same rights as other members of society to realise their individual capacities for physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.
- have the same right as other members of society to services which will support their attaining of a reasonable quality of life in a way that also recognises the role of the family unit.
- have the same right as other members of society to participate in, direct and implement the decisions which affect their lives.
- have the same right as other members of society to receive services in a manner which results in minimal restriction of their rights and opportunities.
- have the same right of pursuit of any grievance in relation to services as have other members of society.
- have the right to access the type of accommodation and employment that they believe is most appropriate.
- who reside in country areas have a right, as far as is reasonable to expect, to have access to similar services provided to people with disabilities who reside in the metropolitan area.
- have a right to an environment free from neglect, abuse, intimidation and exploitation.