The Developmental Disabilities Programs operates under these guiding principles, which are pivotal to accomplishing the goals established in the vision and mission statements:  

• People with developmental disabilities belong in neighborhoods, jobs and communities.
  
• Services support people with developmental disabilities in family-sized homes.
  
• Supports and services encourage the development of social relationships, community life and community living skills.
  
• The rights, interests and choices of all persons with developmental disabilities are the focus for planning.
  
• Parents and consumers are involved in the design, operation and monitoring of supports and services.
  
• The Department of Health and Welfare shall contract to ensure services are available throughout the state that are accessible and coordinated in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
  
• The Department of Health and Welfare shall promote quality services, individual and family supports at a reasonable cost and no person shall be refused services because of inability to pay.
  
• The Department of Health and Welfare shall promote the use of available community resources, friends and neighbors for the benefit of the consumer.
  
• The Department of Health Welfare shall maintain the flexibility necessary to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities.