Dignity & safeguards

Human Rights & Program Satisfaction

Every individual in a Massachusetts DDS day program has fundamental rights to dignity, respect, and person-centered services. These rights are protected through comprehensive regulations, oversight mechanisms, and accountability measures designed to ensure quality care and meaningful outcomes.

Source index for DDS regulations: DDS 115 CMR (official).

Something isn't right

Who do I contact?

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. This tool helps you find the right channel afterward. It is never a substitute for emergency services when someone is hurt or unsafe right now.

What is happening?

Your voice, your choices, your rights

Individual Rights & Advocacy

Individual Support Plan (ISP) Rights

Your ISP is developed with your input and serves as the foundation for all services. This plan reflects your goals, preferences, and support needs while ensuring your voice is heard.

  • Participate actively in your ISP meeting and decision-making process
  • Invite family members, friends, or advocates to support you
  • Request changes to goals or services at any time during the year
  • Receive services that align with your cultural background and personal values

Cited regulation: 115 CMR 6.00 (overview), §6.23 Development of ISPs.

Right to Change Programs

If your current program no longer meets your needs or preferences, you can explore and transition to different providers or services with your team.

  1. 1Contact your DDS Service Coordinator to discuss your concerns
  2. 2Review available provider options in your area
  3. 3Schedule site visits to explore new programs
  4. 4Work with your team to complete transition documentation

Related guidance: DDS Office of Human Rights.

Advocacy Support Resources

DDS Service Coordinator

Your primary contact for service planning and concerns

Human Rights Officer

On-site advocate for rights protection and complaint resolution

Disability Law Center

Independent legal advocacy and rights protection services

Independent Living Centers

Peer support and self-advocacy skill development

Overview of safeguards: DDS Human Rights Resources (PDF).

Ensuring quality, safety, and compliance

Provider Standards & Oversight

Human Rights Infrastructure

DDS-approved providers must maintain robust human rights oversight through designated personnel and established committees.

Human Rights Officer (HRO)
  • On-site monitoring of rights compliance
  • Investigation of concerns and complaints
  • Staff and participant rights education
  • Direct liaison with participants and families
Human Rights Committee
  • Review behavioral support plans with restrictive interventions
  • Monitor incident reports and corrective actions
  • Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, or violations
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with DDS regulations

Cited regulation: 115 CMR 3.09 Protection of Human Rights / Human Rights Committees (PDF).

Staff Training Requirements

All direct support staff complete required training tied to dignity, human rights, documentation, crisis response, and reporting.

Abuse & Neglect Recognition

Identifying signs and mandatory reporting procedures

Human Rights Regulations

Understanding DDS and federal compliance requirements

Crisis Intervention

De-escalation techniques and emergency response protocols

Documentation Standards

Proper record-keeping and incident reporting

Related standards: 115 CMR 5.00 Standards to Promote Dignity (PDF).

Accountability Measures

  • Internal Quality Reviews: Providers run their own quality and human-rights reviews on a schedule defined in their policies and DDS Office of Quality Enhancement guidance.
  • Records: Retention requirements depend on the record type and source regulation. DDS-side records follow 115 CMR 4.00; MassHealth Day Habilitation records follow 130 CMR 450.000 and 130 CMR 419.000.
  • Mandatory Reporting: Suspected abuse or neglect of an adult with a disability is reported to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) 24-hour hotline at 1-800-426-9009.
  • Corrective Action: When DDS or MassHealth identifies a compliance issue, providers complete a written corrective action plan and follow up with the reviewing office.

See: 115 CMR 4.00 (Records), 115 CMR 5.00 (PDF), and 115 CMR 3.09 (PDF).

Measuring progress and ensuring excellence

Quality Assurance & Satisfaction

Goal Development & Progress Monitoring

Every individual's ISP includes measurable goals that reflect personal priorities and growth opportunities. Progress is continuously monitored through data collection and regular team reviews.

Data-Driven Approach

Consistent data collection and analysis to track meaningful progress toward goals

Flexible Goal Adjustment

Goals can be modified based on progress, preferences, or changing circumstances

Collaborative Review

Regular team meetings involving the individual, family, and support professionals

Cited regulation: 115 CMR §6.23 (ISP development).

Annual Satisfaction Assessment

Providers gather feedback from participants and families about service quality and effectiveness, and integrate it into continuous improvement.

Service Quality
  • Staff competency and professionalism
  • Program activities and engagement
  • Safety and environment
  • Communication and responsiveness
Personal Outcomes
  • Goal achievement and progress
  • Skill development and independence
  • Community integration opportunities
  • Social relationships and connections

Related standards: 115 CMR 5.00 (PDF).

Continuous Improvement Commitment

Satisfaction feedback informs service improvements, staff training priorities, and program enhancements to ensure person-centered excellence.

For crisis/ restraint review requirements, see 115 CMR 5.00 (PDF) and §5.11 Crisis Prevention, Response, and Restraint.