Subchapter I. Declaration of General and Special Rights of Persons Diagnosed with Mental Retardation and Other Specific Developmental Disabilities
TITLE 16
Health and Safety
Mental Health
CHAPTER 55. PERSONS DIAGNOSED WITH MENTAL RETARDATION AND OTHER SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Subchapter I. Declaration of General and Special Rights of Persons Diagnosed with Mental Retardation and Other Specific Developmental Disabilities
§ 5501. Basic rights.
Persons diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities have the same basic rights as other citizens.
61 Del. Laws, c. 270, § 3; 73 Del. Laws, c. 97, § 2.;
§ 5502. Development of abilities.
Persons diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities have the right to proper medical care and physical restoration and to such education, training, habilitation and guidance as will enable them to develop their abilities and potentials to the fullest possible extent, no matter how severe their disability may be.
61 Del. Laws, c. 270, § 3; 73 Del. Laws, c. 97, § 2.;
§ 5503. Economic security and meaningful occupations.
Persons diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities have a right to strive for productive work in meaningful occupations, economic security and a decent standard of living.
61 Del. Laws, c. 270, § 3; 73 Del. Laws, c. 97, § 2.;
§ 5504. Normal living arrangements.
Persons diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities have a right to live with their families or with other care providers; to participate in all aspects of community life; and to have access to appropriate leisure time activities. If residence in an institution is the least restrictive environment and the most appropriate setting reasonably available, it should be in surroundings and under circumstances as close to normal living as possible.
61 Del. Laws, c. 270, § 3; 73 Del. Laws, c. 97, § 2.;
§ 5505. Qualified guardians.
Persons diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities have a right to a qualified guardian when this is required to protect their personal well-being and interests. No person or agency rendering direct services to a person diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities shall also serve as such person's guardian.
61 Del. Laws, c. 270, § 3; 73 Del. Laws, c. 97, § 2.;
§ 5506. Protection from exploitation and abuse.
Persons diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities have a right to protection from exploitation, abuse and degrading treatment. If accused, the person diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities has a right to a fair trial with full recognition being given to the person's degree of responsibility.
61 Del. Laws, c. 270, § 3; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 73 Del. Laws, c. 97, § 2.;
§ 5507. Due process.
Some persons diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities may be unable, due to the severity of their handicap, to exercise for themselves all of their rights in a meaningful way. For others, modification of some or all of these rights is appropriate. The procedure used for modification or denial of rights must contain proper legal safeguards against every form of abuse; must be based on an evaluation of the social capability of the person diagnosed with mental retardation or other specific developmental disabilities by qualified experts; and must be subject to periodic reviews, and to the right of appeal to higher authorities.
61 Del. Laws, c. 270, § 3; 73 Del. Laws, c. 97, § 2.;