A Justice Department memo is questioning long-standing ADA integration protections, especially the requirement that people with disabilities be served in the most integrated community setting rather than institutions.
Experts on the discussion said the memo is not legally binding and conflicts with Supreme Court precedent, but it could still be used by states in court to justify reducing community-based services.
Advocates warned that cutting home and community-based supports would harm independence, dignity, and recovery for people with physical, intellectual, and mental health disabilities, while institutional care is more costly and riskier.
Panelists cited Illinois as a success story for moving thousands of people from institutions into community living, and said the state should keep defending disability rights and integration despite federal pressure.
This comes on the heels of both ADA Title II and Section 504 HHS rules deadlines being extended by a year.
Watch the clip from the PBS Chicago Tonight broadcast.
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