An historical moment for people with disabilities in the state of Virginia. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reached a detailed settlement agreement that will change the Commonwealth of Virginia’s system for serving people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, and resolve violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The agreement expands community-based services so that Virginia can serve people with developmental disabilities in their own homes, their family’s homes or other integrated community settings. Over the next 10 years, Virginia will expand community services by providing home and community-based Medicaid waivers to nearly 4,200 individuals.
PRESS RELEASE: The Arc of Virginia Statement in Response to DOJ Settlement Agreement
The Virginia DOJ Settlement is a significant milestone in the Virginia’s long road towards community –based care for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provisions of the settlement announced today are consistent with The Arc’s push to shift Virginia from an outdated institutional model to one that is focused on home and community based services. Such a transition is essential in order to meet needs of the 7,000 Virginians with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are on waiting lists for community-based services.
We are pleased to see the extensive oversight and monitoring that will occur in the community as a result of this agreement. We also commend the U.S. Department of Justice and the Commonwealth of Virginia for its acknowledgment of the needs of the individuals with ID/DD currently living in the community who are at risk of institutionalization.
The Arc of Virginia applauds Governor McDonnell and his administration for taking this important step in the right direction. We salute DOJ’s leadership on making this a successful effort that will result in thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities being the afforded to opportunity to live “A Life Like Yours” in the community. This landmark agreement will be long remembered as a historic moment in the ID/DD civil rights movement.
Jamie Liban, Executive Director
2025 E Main St, Suite 107, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: 804.649.8481 ext. 101
Fax: 804.649.3585
E-mail: jliban@thearcofva.org
Community services by providing home and community-based Medicaid waivers to nearly 4,200 individuals – a huge victory for the advocates and people with disabilities in Virginia.
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