The department through the office shall provide developmental disabilities services and supports consistent with the following principles, to the extent possible:

A.  Supports assist in enabling people to exercise self-determination in their lives.

B.  Supports assist in enabling people to achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, and inclusion in their communities.

C.  Personal outcomes and goals are considered in the development of individualized supports for each person.

D.  The community where the person chooses to live and work is the optimum place to provide supports and services.

E.  Persons and families are generally best able to determine their needs, rather than their needs being determined by others.

F.  The needs of the entire family are considered in the development of family supports.

G.  Family supports enable children to live in stable family environments with enduring relationships with one or more adults regardless of the severity of the disability of the child or the degree of support necessary.

H.  Children and young adults with disabilities receive and participate in an appropriate education which enables them to have increased opportunities for well being, development and inclusion in their communities.

I.  Existing natural supports and community resources are promoted and utilized.

Acts 2005, No. 128, §1, eff. June 22, 2005.