Preventive efforts should focus on both primary and secondary measures, beginning with the prenatal period and extending across the life span. All life stages are equally important. Resources should extend across the life span. All services should be person-centered and support family preservation and cohesiveness. Families are the greatest natural resource available to an individual.
Families are the major providers of support, care, and love.
When families receive supports that are stable, reliable, sufficient, and readily available, the home environment is the most permanent, preserving, nurturing, and cost-effective place for persons with disabilities. All services should foster community inclusion and support the individual's growth toward independence and interdependence. Supports should be provided to assure full participation in activities of family, community, and society. Independence and interdependence should be fostered across all life areas including family life, school, work, worship, recreation, and social events. Individuals with disabilities and their families should be involved in the design, operation, and monitoring of services and supports.