Health and Well-being Guiding Principles

The following principles guide BCACL’s social policy on health and well being:

• All persons, regardless of disability, have a justified claim to life which is fully equal to that of every other person.
• People with developmental disabilities have equal rights to health care and health care options.
• The presence of a developmental disability does not preclude a person’s ability to make or participate in health care decisions.
• Health and personal care decisions made on behalf of another must be based on knowledge of the individual and their wishes.
• Relationships with family and friends positively contribute to health and well being.
• Developing physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual potential promotes health and well being.
• Every person has a right to receive health care treatment when they need it.