Synopsis:

The Disability Integration Act (DIA) would require public agencies and insurance companies that fund institutional placements for people with disabilities who need long-term services and supports to offer community-based care options as well. It would also forbid denying or obstructing any institutionalized person’s request to transition to community-based care. The bill’s supporters state that full participation in the community and the opportunity to live independently are civil rights for people with disabilities springing from the Americans with Disabilities Act and the landmark Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C. They also cite evidence that home- and community-based care improves health outcomes, raises quality of life and saves the government money. Families of people receiving institutional care have raised concerns that the DIA could funnel money away from institutions, which could result in closures or lower standards of care.

Supporters:

Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) et al.; Reps. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), John Lewis (D-Ga.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) et al.; ADAPT, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, ACLU, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Center for American Progress, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Democratic National Committee, Heritage Foundation, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Service Employees International Union.

Opponents:

A Voice of Reason.

Links to Additional Resources: