The Legislature finds and declares that:

1. The older people of our state are entitled to receive, and it is the joint and several duty and responsibility of the state and local governments to provide, within the limits of available resources, assistance to secure equal opportunity to the full and free enjoyment of the following objectives:

(a) An adequate income in retirement.

(b) The best possible physical and mental health which science can make available and without regard to economic status.

(c) Suitable housing, independently selected, designed and located with reference to special needs and available at costs which older citizens can afford.

(d) Full restorative services for those who require institutional care.

(e) Opportunity for employment with no discriminatory personnel practices because of age.

(f) Retirement in health, honor and dignity.

(g) Pursuit of meaningful activity within the widest range of civic, cultural and recreational opportunities.

(h) Efficient community services which provide social assistance in a coordinated manner and which are readily available when needed.

(i) Immediate benefit from proven research knowledge which can sustain and improve health and happiness.

(j) Freedom, independence and the free exercise of individual initiative in planning and managing their own lives.

(k) The benefit of balanced nutrition.

(l) Adequate day care center services.

2. Persons with visual, aural, cognitive or physical disabilities are entitled to receive, and it is the joint and several duty and responsibility of the State and local governments to provide, within the limits of available resources, assistance to secure equal opportunity to the full and free enjoyment of and access to:

(a) Full participation in the social and economic life of the State;

(b) Opportunities for remunerative employment;

(c) The same rights as persons without disabilities to the full and free use of the streets, highways, sidewalks, public buildings, public facilities and other public places;

(d) Freedom and independence in planning and managing their lives, including, without limitation, the ability to exercise individual initiative;

(e) Suitable housing that is independently selected, designed and located with consideration of the special needs of persons with disabilities, and that is affordable to persons with disabilities;

(f) The best possible physical and mental health, without regard to economic status;

(g) Necessary health, personal assistance and independent living services that are designed to enable persons with disabilities to avoid receiving institutional care, or to transition from an institutional setting back to their communities;

(h) Respite for family members of persons with disabilities from their duties as primary caregivers; and

(i) Meaningful participation in a wide range of civic, cultural and recreational opportunities.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 375; A 1973, 1396; 1981, 1904; 2009, 2395)