What is the Disability Integration Act?
The Disability Integration Act (DIA) is civil rights legislation, introduced by Senator Schumer in the Senate and Representative Sensenbrenner in the House, to address the fundamental issue that people who need Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) are forced into institutions and losing their basic civil rights.
Twenty-five years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, unwanted institutionalization remains a serious problem for people with disabilities and seniors.
When disabled people are impeded from living in the community and instead housed in institutions, their civil rights are negatively impacted and they are placed in isolation and segregation. Passing the DIA is an essential protection and affirmation of the rights of persons with disabilities to choose independent living and to be provided the home and community-based services that make it possible.
What is Required Under The Disability Integration Act (S.910, H.R.2472), introduced by Senator Schumer (D-NY)?:
- clarifying that every individual who is eligible for LTSS has a federally protected
right to a real choice in how they receive services and supports;
- assuring that states and other LTSS insurance providers deliver services in a manner
that allows disabled individuals to live in the most integrated setting, have maximum
control over their services and supports, and lead an independent life;
- requiring public entities to address the need for affordable, accessible, integrated
housing that is independent of service delivery; and establishing stronger,
targeted enforcement mechanisms.
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