Linwood Center, Inc

Fundamental Rights

An Individual Plan (IP) is developed for each of Linwood’s program participants.  Linwood’s Program Service Plan is driven by the outcomes in the IP.  Services such as Positive Behavioral Supports, counseling, the development of a behavior plan, pharmacological therapy, etc. are provided as determined by the IP Team.  Linwood also utilizes the services of a “Standing Committee” which includes members of the community who are not affiliated with Linwood.  The Committee is charged with overseeing and approving Linwood’s Continuous Quality Assurance Plan, approving behavior plans and monitoring any situations that may interfere with the fundamental rights of the individuals in the program.

Each individual receiving services from Linwood shall have the same fundamental rights and protections as all other citizens under the laws and Constitution of Maryland and the United States.  These include the rights to:

A.  The following personal freedoms:

  1. Have religious and cultural  beliefs respected;
  2. Be free from abuse, neglect and mistreatment;
  3. Have personal information kept in confidence;
  4. Live, work and receive services in a manner that is not unnecessarily restrictive;
  5. Have money and belongings secured;
  6. Have access to one’s money and belongings; and
  7. Have the opportunity to express choices and opinions.

B.  Have choices about the following:

  1. Where to live and with whom;
  2. The services one receives and from whom;
  3. How one spends one’s time and with whom;
  4. How menus, activities, schedules and routines are structured; and
  5. Who advocates for the individual.

C.  Have one’s choices and opinions respected and addressed, which includes:

  1. Being treated with courtesy, dignity and respect;
  2. Being treated with warmth and caring;
  3. Receiving positive recognition;
  4. Being spoken to and treated in an age-appropriate manner; and
  5. Living and working in places that reflect things that are valued.

D.  Experience personal growth and independence by:

  1. Having opportunities to develop personal goals and work toward achieving those goals;
  2. Receiving the supports to succeed where one chooses to live and work;
  3. Receiving education, habilitation and opportunities for increased independence;
  4. Having access to technology to assist in living and learning;
  5. Having the opportunity to manage one’s own affairs, including one’s financial affairs to the extent possible; and
  6. Having the opportunity to participate in individual activities.

E.  Have the opportunity to form relationships by:

  1. Having the opportunity to develop and maintain meaningful ties to other people;
  2. Having relationships encouraged and supported;
  3. Having the opportunity to be connected to family and friends; and
  4. Having the opportunity for intimacy.

F.  Have community membership and social inclusion by:

  1. Having the opportunity to be involved in and contribute to the community;
  2. Having the opportunity to participate in community activities of one’s choice;
  3. Having the opportunity to use the same resources as other people; and
  4. Having regular access to recreation and leisure time activities with others.