Disability Integration Act Introduced in House

On May 16, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced the Disability Integration Act [DIA] of 2017 (H.R. 2472) in the House. It is a companion bill to S. 910, which was introduced by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on April 7. The DIA seeks to build on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that people eligible for long term supports and services (LTSS) have the ability and the codified right to receive those services in the community and live as independently as possible. Sensenbrenner said, “The passage of the ADA was a significant step forward in the fight for equal rights for Americans with disabilities; but almost 27 years later, there are still problems that need to be solved. The Disability Integration Act identifies challenges that still exist and provides comprehensive and effective solutions that will help these individuals fully participate in daily life.”