Everyone deserves to live in their communities with the right supports, but limited funding often leads to waitlists for necessary community-based services. Hear from people with intellectual and developmental disabilities about what life in the community means to them.

Did you know that 37 states still have institutions where people with disabilities live segregated lives? Institutions limit people’s lives and choices, and they must be closed. But more than that, communities need the resources currently utilized in institutions for all people with disabilities to live independently with the right supports, no matter their level of need.

Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on direct support professionals (DSPs) to lead full and independent lives in their communities. The work DSPs do is vital, but due to years of systemic-failures, they’re often underpaid leading to vacancies and high turnover. It’s a crisis that affects people with disabilities and their families every day. DSPs and people with disabilities deserve more.

Through a review of Rocky Myers’ case in Alabama and a discussion with The Arc’s legal director, this episode explores the Supreme Court’s opinion in Atkins and later decisions holding that executing people with intellectual disability violates the constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Individuals with I/DD are dramatically over-represented in prisons and jails and face unique barriers. Powerful laws exist to protect them, but prisoners need accessible resources to assist them in advocating for their rights. This article explores recommendations to ensure equity for prisoners with I/DD.