Your Rights in Plain Language

At Independence Association we value the rights of people with disabilities as fellow citizens and as individuals served by our agency. This list of rights is a summary of all the laws that state your rights.

1.      You have to be told what the rules are where you live and where you work. You need to be told what will happen if you break the rules. You can help make the rules.

2.      You may go to church and say prayers. No one can make you go to a church you don't want to go to.

3.      No one can read your mail unless you say it's okay. No one can stop you from writing or mailing letters.

4.      You can use the telephone to call anyone you want. Nobody can listen to your phone calls unless you say it's okay. You cannot make a call you can't pay for.

5.      You may have visitors. No one can hang around when you have visitors unless you say it's okay.

6.      If you work for pay, you have to be paid at least Maine’s minimum wage, or a rate approved by the law.

7.      You may vote in elections. If you need help, you may choose someone to go into the voting booth with you. You don't have to tell anyone whom you voted for unless you want to.

8.      No one can take your things away from you.

9.      If someone prepares meals for you, you have to be given enough to eat. You can't be made to miss a meal for punishment.

10.    You can see a doctor or a dentist if you don't feel well. You can ask the doctor or dentist to explain what they are going to do.

11.    No one can give you medicine to punish you or just to make you quiet or sleepy.

12.    No one may hit you or hurt you.

13.    No one may lock you alone in a room.

14.    No one may hold you with force unless you act like you are going to hurt yourself or someone else.

15. You have a right to see everything that is written about you. No one can show your records or files to someone unless you say they can.

16.    If you think someone has treated you badly, you can tell your social worker or advocate.

17.    If you live in a home licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services, your Independence Association PPC or Program Manager will provide you with a copy of Resident Rights specified by Chapter 5 of the DHHS Assisted Living Regulations. These rights include you having freedom of choice for selecting your residential provider.

If you have any complaints, problems, or if you feel your rights are being opposed, we want to know. You may contact a support person who you feel comfortable talking to or you may speak to the Director of Policy, Procedure and Quality Assurance who is located at the Independence Association offices at 3 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, Maine 04011, phone number 725-4371 ext. 2132. Or you can call the Disability Rights Center, 1-800-452-1948.