Rights are what you can do and how you are treated based on laws and rules. Our rights include making our own decisions, choosing where to live and being treated with respect.
Our rights don’t go away because we get older, have an intellectual or developmental disability, or live in a nursing home or intermediate care facility.
Learn More About Your Rights
People who Need an Interpreter
If you have a hearing problem or you don’t speak English very well, you can ask for an interpreter to help you understand your rights.
To ask for this help, call:
- 2-1-1
- Your service provider
People with IDD
People with IDD have the same rights as everyone else, unless a judge has taken them away. You can’t be treated differently because you have IDD.
There are some basic ideas about your rights.
- All people have rights. Rights are what you can do and how you are treated, based on federal and state constitutions, laws and rules
- Rights are not limited without due process. Due process is an opportunity to have a hearing or review to decide if there is a good reason to limit your rights or services
- People are free from abuse and neglect. No one has the right to hurt you, take advantage of you, or ignore your needs
- People have responsibilities. Responsibilities are your duties that you must try to do, if you are able. These include not hurting others, following the rules of your program, and telling others what you need.
If you want to learn more, read one of the booklets below:
- Your Rights in the Home and Community-based Services Program (PDF)
- Your Rights in an ICF/IID Program (PDF)
- Your Rights in Local Authority Services (PDF)
- Your Rights in a State Center (PDF)
- Your Rights in the Texas Home Living Program (PDF)
Older People and People with Disabilities
People who are older or who have a disability have the same rights as other people. You can’t be treated differently because of your age or disability.
There are some basic ideas about your rights.
- All people have rights. Rights are what you can do and how you are treated, based on federal and state constitutions, laws and rules
- Rights are not limited without due process. Due process is an opportunity to have a hearing or review to decide if there is a good reason to limit your rights or services
- People are free from abuse and neglect. No one has the right to hurt you, take advantage of you, or ignore your needs
- People have responsibilities. Responsibilities are your duties that you must try to do, if you are able. These include not hurting others, following the rules of your program, and telling others what you need.
If you want to learn more, read one of the booklets below:
- Assisted Living Facility Resident's Bill of Rights (PDF)
- Nursing Facility Rights (PDF)
- Your Rights in HHS Community Programs (PDF)
What do I do if I think my rights have been violated?
Call toll free 800-458-9858 and select Option 1 to talk with someone. Agents answer calls Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. If you call outside those hours, leave a message; an employee will call you back by the next workday.
When leaving a message, please
- Say and spell your name
- Provide a phone number where you can be reached during the day (include your area code)
- Tell us how you think your rights were violated