PIE ALERT: H.R. 3995 Harms Important Disability Rights Programs
PIE ALERT: H.R. 3995 Harms Important Disability Rights Programs
Background/Introductory Email:
Congressman Barney Frank recently introduced legislation that is supported by VOR (the Voice of the Retarded) which would place restrictions on the ability of Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) to protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities who live in intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICF/MRs) from abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, Congressional staff may not understand about the work of P&As, or other partners under the DDAct, and 36 Members of Congress (including some civil rights luminaries) have cosponsored this bill. We must stem the tide!
The real issue at hand, as stated by VOR, is that "P&A agencies - repeatedly brings class action lawsuits which, in some cases, have led to the downsizing and closure of intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation (ICFs/MR), a Medicaid certified and funded program." From the point of view of the majority of consumers and advocacy organizations - and in agreement with the overarching principal of community integration - downsizing and closure are very good things. The focus over the last 30 years has been on providing needed supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the community. This includes access to early intervention services, a free, appropriate public education, transition services, vocational services, employment, housing, transportation, and other critical supports and services.
Now is the time to educate Members of Congress about the importance of community based living, the need to protect individuals with developmental disabilities, and give them the opportunity to live and thrive in their communities.
Click here to send a letter to your Member of Congress on this issue. Please edit the draft letter to share your personal story and message on the importance of community based living. If you have any questions on this matter, please contact Sharon Scribner Pearce at [email protected], or Karen Flippo at [email protected].
Sample Email:
Dear Congressman X:
As an individual who cares deeply about the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities, I strongly urge you to oppose H. R. 3995. This legislation would tie the hands of Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As), entities designed protect individuals with developmental disabilities from neglect and abuse.
Since 1975, P&As have worked to protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Through a range of activities P&As guard against abuse; advocate for basic rights; and ensure accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
This legislation, however, would severely inhibit the ability of P&As to take action to protect individuals with developmental disabilities. This legislation would place significant burdens on P&As' ability to pursue legal remedies against institutions that are neglecting or abusing their residents.
For more than 30 years, our nation has made great strides in our efforts to ensure that all individuals with disabilities can live in the community. Part of this success is owed to P&As, which have held institutions and facilities accountable for their actions. We cannot backslide on this effort. We must ensure that the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities are protected. Please OPPOSE HR 3995.
If you have questions about this issue, please feel free to contact Sharon Pearce at [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration of this request.