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To: syriacus
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2001/June/269cr.htm
Unjustified isolation or segregation of persons with disabilities through institutionalization is a form of discrimination prohibited by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The Department of Justice enforces the ADA, the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and other federal civil rights laws.[snip]

"Protecting the rights of persons with disabilities is a critical part of the Department's civil rights law enforcement effort," said Attorney General John Ashcroft. "As a result of the Department's enforcement of the ADA and the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, thousands of institutionalized persons who were living in dire conditions now receive adequate care and services in community-based settings."

The Department's Special Litigation Section currently has cases or investigations in 12 states, and Puerto Rico involving community placement. Some of these include:[snip]

In enforcing federal civil rights laws, the Department conducts regular investigations of health care facilities and reviews the appropriateness of placement of individuals in institutions In our settlements, the Department works to ensure that persons who are moved from institutional settings to community settings receive the services and care they need when they are placed in the community.

The Department of Justice will work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services, which has the lead role in coordinating implementation of the Olmstead executive order.

"The Department of Justice will continue to safeguard the civil rights and liberties guaranteed to all Americans," concluded Ashcroft.


3,846 posted on 09/15/2003 12:47:39 PM PDT by syriacus (Did Mike Schiavo buy mobiles to place over the crib of his baby? What did he buy for Terri?)
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To: syriacus
Massachusetts Plans New Push to Home Care for Disabled

US Court Rulings Drive Move from Institutions

By Alice Dembner, Boston Globe, 8/21/2002

The state is closing Medfield State Hospital and moving many of its 96 residents, along with nearly 300 other people with mental and physical disabilities from nursing homes and institutions across the state, into group or private homes. The action comes largely in response to federal court rulings requiring that the disabled be treated in the least restrictive setting possible.

3,850 posted on 09/15/2003 12:55:07 PM PDT by syriacus (Did Mike Schiavo buy mobiles to place over the crib of his baby? What did he buy for Terri?)
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To: syriacus
That's a nice find! I hope they plan to enforce their own rules! As for the Dept of HHS coordinating implementation, I would be surprised to see the bureaucracy do anything of value. As I see it, the most value they add is keeping people employed.
3,851 posted on 09/15/2003 12:55:35 PM PDT by Ohioan from Florida
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