In the past, many people with developmental disabilities were institutionalized primarily for the purpose of protecting such individuals or protecting society from those individuals. Under these arrangements, individuals were subjected to total control over their lives with few opportunities for self determination. Because some state institutions and large community residential programs still exist, and case management services often are unable to provide adequate monitoring and supervision of services to persons with developmental disabilities, it is important that any one service provider not have 24- hour responsibility for services.
Quality of life is enriched by having a variety of associations with others.
Generally, people have contact with a variety of individuals and service providers as they carry out their daily activities. Only in unusual circumstances, is one's landlord, employer or banker, for example, one and the same. Similarly, individuals with developmental disabilities should have a variety of interested people in their lives to assure that their needs and rights are not ignored, subordinated, or abused. The interplay and checks and balances between service providers as they strive to meet the needs of the individual, increases the likelihood that interests and rights of persons with a developmental disability will be honored. Individuals with developmental disabilities should have choices about how, when, where, and by whom services are provided along with increased opportunities for decision making, productivity and inclusion in the community.