Introduction

The principles underlying the care of children, adolescents and adults with developmental disability are based on the theory of normalisation.

A central aspect of normalisation is to recognise the right of a person with developmental disability to experience the same patterns and rhythms of life as the general population. Examples include the right to:

• live in the usual residential options
• make choices about their daily lives
• have a vocation or occupational activity, and go to it during the day.

An extension of the concept of normalisation is social role valorisation, which emphasises the importance of creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to take on valued social roles, and to change societal presumptions about their abilities.

Another principle is to respect and value people with developmental disability as ‘people first’, rather than focusing on their disability. These principles are all reflected in person-centred care.