Individual Rights

Each service within C.A.R.S. shall operate in a manner which assures that all individuals' rights are followed and adhered to. The agency will always emphasize the importance of dignity, respect, choices and decision making for all individuals served. These rights include:

1. All individuals receiving services will be treated fairly, with respect and similar to persons without disabilities. Individuals will be encouraged and supported to have relationships with others, which will include assistance when going out to meet people, and having fun with friends. Further support with loving relationships such as marriage and having children, will be offered if the individual/guardian wishes. If requested, support will also be given regarding money and decisions in the individual's home.

2. The laws within the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will also be followed. This will include not being discriminated against regarding gender (being a male or female), ethnic nationality (where people come from), skin color, religious beliefs, or the individual's disability. C.A.R.S. will assure individuals are treated fairly regarding work/volunteer placements and receive pay/recognition. Individuals will also receive medical services and care similar to persons without disabilities.

3. Individuals will be encouraged to make informed choices and decisions regarding their lives with support based on what is important to them. This could include what the individual does with their time and possessions, where to live and with whom, what happens in the home including what to eat, what services and personnel will provide support, and what the individual wishes for their future. These decisions may involve some risk and the individual will be free to make mistakes and change their mind. This will only occur once the individual understands the final outcome or risk.

4. Individuals always have the right to speak and be listened to. The individual will be encouraged to speak their mind, show their feelings and give their opinion. Individuals will be heard when expressing concerns and will be respected when a choice is made not to do something. All efforts will be made to understand the individual, and what they are communicating.

5. Support will also be given regarding accessing services within the community. This will include suitable/special transportation, use of recreation facilities, educational services, and work/volunteer placements that are available to everyone else who resides in the community.

6. Individuals will have the right to privacy. This will include who/when someone including support personnel comes into their room and touches their possessions, private use of the telephone and being able to speak to the doctor and others of their choice in private. Assistance to understand professionals will be offered, but it will be the individuals' choice.

7. Support personnel will assure safety and protection. The individual will be assisted to feel safe when at home and in the community. They will be taught to be as independent as possible regarding safety and protection; however the support personnel will attempt to protect the individual from being hurt, attacked or having their things stolen.

8. C.A.R.S. will provide support personnel that are trustworthy, dependable, patient, understanding, helpful and nurturing. The support personnel will assure that the individual also feels the same way about other professionals (doctors, etc.). If not, efforts will be made to assist them to access different professionals.

Support personnel will assist the individual to learn that everyone has the same rights, we should not do things that affect the rights of others, we treat others as we want to be treated, and that everyone is responsible for their own actions/decisions.