4General principles

#### 4 General principles 4 General principles > It is the duty of everyone exercising functions under this Act with respect to persons who have disabilities to observe the following principles— > > > (a) the welfare and interests of such persons should be given paramount consideration, > > > (b) the freedom of decision and freedom of action of such persons should be restricted as little as possible, > > > (c) such persons should be encouraged, as far as possible, to live a normal life in the community, > > > (d) the views of such persons in relation to the exercise of those functions should be taken into consideration, > > > (e) the importance of preserving the family relationships and the cultural and linguistic environments of such persons should be recognised, > > > (f) such persons should be encouraged, as far as possible, to be self-reliant in matters relating to their personal, domestic and financial affairs, > > > (g) such persons should be protected from neglect, abuse and exploitation, > > > (h) the community should be encouraged to apply and promote these principles.