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When she was photographed in 2018, Korrie Johnson, who has cerebral palsy, had spent 11 months living in a nursing home among residents three times her age because she was unable to find reliable home care. (David Joles/Star Tribune/TNS)
Federal officials are beefing up enforcement of a key U.S. Supreme Court decision that affirmed the rights of people with disabilities to be supported in the community whenever possible.
The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it is launching a new national initiative to “help drive compliance with the integration mandate and protect the rights of people with disabilities.”
Public Policy Goals for the 118th Congress
2023 — 2024
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) want to live, learn, work, pay taxes, and be productive and fully included in their communities. Federal public policy is critical to achieving this vision.
The Arc partners with AAIDD, ANCOR, ASA, ASAN, Easterseals, NACDD, TASH, and UCP to create this public policy agenda. We work together to shape, expand, and protect a strong federal role that provides vital benefits, services, and supports and assures civil rights for our constituency.
Human and Civil Rights
Overview
The history of living with a disability in the United States has largely been one of discrimination, segregation, and exclusion from education, work, housing, and even from routine daily activities.
Fortunately, today people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have the same basic legal, civil, and human rights as other citizens. The U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and federal court decisions have established these rights. However, despite the tremendous advances, limitations of laws and regulations, poor enforcement of the laws, limited funding of programs, disregard for binding legal precedent, and societal prejudices keep many people with disabilities from being fully included in our society. There is still a lot of work to do in order to make true community integration and recognition of civil rights a reality for ALL, including those with the most significant disabilities.
You can learn more about The Arc’s position on civil rights by reading our position statement.
Join Our Fight for Equal Rights for All
The Arc fights every day to protect civil rights and access to vital programs, such as Medicaid, for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). But we can’t do it alone! We need the help of people with I/DD, their families, and allies of the cause.
Sign up today to receive updates on our movement, take action, and make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
