underserved.
(5) Communities can be enriched by the full and active
participation and the contributions by individuals with
intellectual disabilities or autism and their families or
legal guardians.
(6) The long-time commitment of the General Assembly to
secure for individuals with intellectual disabilities or
autism in partnership with their families or legal guardians
the opportunity to choose where they live is affirmed.
(7) For true choice to exist, individuals with
intellectual disabilities or autism and their families or
legal guardians must be provided with information about
options for supports and services.
(8) The goals of the General Assembly properly include
the goal of providing individuals with intellectual
disabilities or autism with the opportunities and support to:
(i) make informed choices and decisions;
(ii) pursue meaningful and productive lives;
(iii) live in a home of their choice; and
(iv) achieve full integration and inclusion in
society in an individualized manner consistent with the
unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns,
abilities and capabilities of each individual.
(9) It is the policy of the General Assembly that all
programs, projects and activities operating in this
Commonwealth be carried out in a manner consistent with the
following principles:
(i) Individuals with intellectual disabilities or
autism are capable of pursuing independence, productivity
and integration and inclusion into the community and
often require the provision of services, supports and
other assistance to achieve independence, productivity
and integration and inclusion.
(ii) Individuals with intellectual disabilities or
autism have competencies, capabilities and personal goals
which shall be recognized, supported and encouraged, and
any assistance to the individuals shall be provided in an
individualized manner consistent with the unique
strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and
capabilities of the individuals.
(iii) Individuals with intellectual disabilities or
autism and their families or legal guardians are
instrumental decision makers regarding the services and
supports the individuals receive and inform policies and
programs which affect the lives of the individuals and
their families.
(iv) The Commonwealth shall, within budgetary
accountability and Federal funding availability, provide
services, supports and other assistance which reflect the
principles of everyday life and self-determination that
have been the cornerstone of this Commonwealth's human
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