Memorializes Congress to pass the Disability Integration Act of 2017.
Impact
If enacted, the Disability Integration Act aims to compel states to shift from a social welfare perspective to a civil rights approach in decision making regarding long-term services and supports for people with disabilities. Achieving this would help to ensure individuals are given opportunities to live within the community and reduce unnecessary institutionalization, which has fiscal implications for state budgets and the overall economy. The resolution notes that the continuing existence of institutionalization costs billions of dollars and undermines the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, necessitating action at the federal level to rectify these abuses.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13 (SCR13) urges the United States Congress to pass the Disability Integration Act of 2017, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that individuals with disabilities have a civil right to live and receive services in the community rather than being institutionalized. The resolution highlights historical patterns of discrimination and segregation against individuals with disabilities, as framed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. SCR13 articulates the need for adequate community-based long-term services and supports, emphasizing that the promise of the ADA remains unfulfilled due to insufficient resources allocated to support individuals in integrated settings.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR13 is largely supportive within the context of disability rights advocacy. Proponents view the resolution and the proposed act as critical steps towards ensuring equality and dignity for people with disabilities. There is a recognition that structural changes are needed to address ingrained issues of access and independence. However, while the tone is constructive among supporters, there may be contrasting opinions from entities resistant to change or those who favor existing institutional frameworks, highlighting systemic challenges in making the transition to community-based services.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the challenges that states will face as they adjust their policies and budgets to comply with the Disability Integration Act, along with potential resistance from stakeholders involved in the current institutional systems. Critics may argue that the operationalizing of an expansive community-based support system could strain limited state resources, leading to debates around funding and resource allocation. The resolution foreshadows these discussions, as states have historically approached such services from a budgetary standpoint rather than a rights-based framework.