May 6, 2010

United States v. State of Arkansas

The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit against the state of Arkansas for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide disability support services in integrated settings. The complaint encompasses all six Arkansas Human Development Centers (HDC). It also addresses the state's system failure to provide community-based services. The complaint said the HDCs illegally segregate the approximately 1,100 residents from the community. Additionally, HDC residents have very limited access to community activities and opportunities to interact with people without disabilities. The HDC residents are not able to leave the HDCs because the state restricts development of adequate community supports and services. Individuals at-risk of institutionalization are offered few viable community alternatives.