Protecting rights

Disability service providers in Victoria are required to act compatibly with human rights and to take human rights into consideration whenever they make a decision. This principle applies to all disability services provided by the Department and community service organisations.

Some of the service delivery principles for Victorian disability services that relate to human rights include:

encouraging the person with a disability to participate in the community so that they can achieve their individual goals.
respecting the role of families and other people who are significant in the life of the person with a disability
acknowledging the important role families have in assisting their family member to realise their potential
providing services in a manner that respects the privacy and dignity of the person with a disability.

Should a disability service provider decide that a restriction on the person's rights or opportunities is necessary, then they must comply with the requirements of the Disability Act 2006 and only use options which are the least restrictive of the person as possible in the circumstances.