Expanding Rights of Americans with Disabilities Is Focus of Delgado-Backed Bill

Press Release

Today, Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY) joined Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and additional members of the U.S. House of Representatives to introduce a bipartisan bill that would support Americans with disabilities by increasing their options for independent, in-home care.

"Americans with disabilities have a Constitutional right to live independently, but too often, those who can live on their own with accommodations are pushed to nursing homes or other institutions when that is not necessary or preferred," said Rep. Delgado. "I'm glad to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to expand the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act so we can better support folks with disabilities in Upstate New York and across the country."

The bipartisan Disability Integration Act expands upon the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act by making clear that every individual eligible for long term services and support (LTSS) has the right to choose how they receive support and assure that the states and other LTSS funders provide services in ways that allow beneficiaries to live as independently as possible.

Among other things, the bill establishes a comprehensive state planning requirement comparable to the transition planning processes required under the ADA and would require them to address the need for affordable and accessible integrated housing, as well as establish targeted enforcement measures.

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