Did you know that individuals receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) have specific rights designed to promote independence, choice, dignity, and full participation in their communities?
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule was established to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have access to the same opportunities and freedoms as everyone else. The goal is simple: support individuals in living meaningful lives in the communities they choose, rather than limiting opportunities through restrictive settings or practices.
At Canaan Cares, these principles guide everything we do. We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to make choices, pursue personal goals, and live a life filled with purpose and connection.
What Are Home and Community-Based Services?
Home and Community-Based Services were developed as an alternative to institutional care, allowing individuals with developmental disabilities to receive services and supports while remaining active members of their communities. The HCBS Final Rule, which became effective in 2023, establishes federal standards to ensure services are person-centered and support individual rights.
These standards apply to many services and programs provided through California’s Regional Center system.
Your HCBS Rights
You Have the Right to Make Choices
Your life should be guided by your preferences, interests, and goals. You have the right to make decisions about your daily activities, routines, relationships, and future plans.
Services should be built around what is important to you, not what is most convenient for a program or provider.
You Have the Right to Participate in Your Community
Individuals receiving HCBS services should have opportunities to engage in community life just like anyone else.
This may include:
- Visiting local businesses
- Participating in recreational activities
- Attending classes or educational programs
- Volunteering
- Pursuing employment opportunities
- Building friendships and social connections
- Community inclusion is a fundamental part of HCBS.
You Have the Right to Privacy, Respect, and Dignity
Every individual deserves to be treated with respect.
HCBS supports should protect your privacy, honor your personal preferences, and promote independence whenever possible. Services should empower individuals rather than create unnecessary restrictions.
You Have the Right to Person-Centered Services
One of the cornerstones of HCBS is person-centered planning.
This means services should focus on:
- Your goals
- Your strengths
- Your interests
- Your support needs
- Your vision for the future
No two people are exactly alike, and their services shouldn’t be either. Person-centered planning is a key principle emphasized throughout HCBS implementation efforts.
You Have the Right to Meaningful Opportunities
Whether your goal is learning a new skill, becoming more independent at home, using public transportation, joining a community group, pursuing employment, or simply trying something new, your services should support those goals.
HCBS is designed to help individuals experience growth, independence, and greater quality of life.
How Canaan Cares Supports HCBS Principles
At Canaan Cares, HCBS is more than a set of regulations. It reflects how we believe services should be delivered.
Our team works alongside participants and families to create supports that align with each person’s unique goals and preferences. We focus on helping individuals:
- Build independence and confidence
- Increase community involvement
- Develop daily living skills
- Explore educational and vocational opportunities
- Strengthen social connections
- Pursue meaningful personal goals
Whether we are providing Independent Living support, Supported Living services, Personal Assistance, Tailored Day supports, Respite Care, or Self-Determination Program services, our approach remains the same: the individual is at the center of every decision.
Empowering Individuals Through Choice
The HCBS Final Rule reminds us that people receiving services are not defined by their disabilities. They are individuals with dreams, talents, preferences, and goals.
At Canaan Cares, we are proud to support those goals by promoting choice, independence, dignity, and community inclusion every day.
If you have questions about HCBS rights or would like to learn more about services available through Canaan Cares, contact our team at 888-895-8778. Together, we can help create supports that reflect what matters most to you.
