11/02/2018 PRESS RELEASE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
Lopeti Penima’ani (385) 242-9478
Jerry Costley (801) 347-0370
Psarah Johnson (801) 897-3139
Tamara Wulle (801) 400-2764
WHO: Disabled Rights Action Committee
WHAT: Congressional Delegates Supporting the DIA
WHERE: Utah State Capitol Rotunda
WHEN: Monday November 6, 2018, 2 PM
Utah Congressional Candidates Support the Disability Integration Act
The Disability Integration Act (DIA), one of the most significant pieces of disability civil rights legislation is working its way through Congress. The DIA would allow individuals with disabilities who qualify for nursing facility stays to instead use a portion of the funds that are set aside for nursing facility services to purchase attendant care. Individuals could either hire their own assistants or go through an agency. The DIA would also help ensure an adequate supply of integrated, accessible, affordable housing along with home health agency assistance.
Despite Olmstead, a supreme court decision that clarified the right of persons with disabilities to avoid unnecessary institutionalization community services are still considered optional services for which Utah citizens can wait for up to 10 years. Individuals can immediately move into nursing facilities. This is referred to as the institutional bias. However, many people with disabilities are choosing to die rather than enter nursing facilities, where their rights and liberties are often stripped away.
“After the ADA and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, the DIA is the final missing legislative piece that will at last allow us to live in our own homes and neighborhoods.”, said Lopeti Penima’ani.
We will be joined at the press conference by candidates Jenny Wilson, Ben McAdams, Shireen Ghorbani, and Lee Castillo, all of whom have committed to co-sponsor and vote for the DIA if elected. We applaud these candidates’ recognition of and support for our right to live in the community. We will also be joined by Misty Hersburger, an individual with a disability who will benefit from passage of the DIA and who will share her story.
We look forward to getting the word out about the vital legislation and the support it is garnishing.
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