Positive Ruling in Ohio Community Integration Case
Good news! The Southern District of Ohio federal court recently granted class certification in the case Ball v. Kasich. At issue is whether Ohioans with IDD receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate in the community as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. For those who apply for state-funded care, the State of Ohio offers immediate placement into institutions, but those seeking community-based services typically endure waits of over 13 years. With this ruling, the five named plaintiffs in the case now represent the interests of thousands of similarly-situated people with IDD throughout Ohio who want community-based services. The court cited the amicus brief filed by The Arc, The Arc Ohio, and The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in its opinion. The class is represented by Disability Rights Ohio, Center for Public Representation, Sam Bagenstos, and Sidley Austin LLP. Read the full opinion here.