Home Is in the Community – With the Services to Thrive
For over 70 years, The Arc has been fighting for people with disabilities to live independently with the right supports and lead the same kind of life as everyone else.
People with disabilities and their families want access to a life in the community, no matter the level of supports necessary to make that happen. But when they try to find what they need, too often the system fails them.
Everyone benefits when people with disabilities are a part of the fabric of our communities, not locked away in the archaic institutions that still exist in 36 states. Institutions are large, often crowded places that limit people and their choices and force them to live segregated lives away from their family and friends without access to the supports needed to live in their own homes and communities. Yet this country has treated access to the services that help people with disabilities gain independence as an option, not a right. This is even more urgent during the pandemic, as crowded institutions and nursing homes have put people at much greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
Act Now!
We need Congress to act now to invest $400 billion in HCBS – it’s the bridge to our ultimate policy goal of services for all, with the HCBS Access Act.
It’s time to make Medicaid funding go where people want to be – in the community.
Stuck in the Past With Institutions
- Segregating people from society, family, friends
- Limiting choices about day and routine
- Decades of documented abuse, neglect
- Warehousing people out of sight is a loss for us all
- High cost to taxpayers to maintain and staff
- 36 states still operate archaic institutions
We Want a Life in the Community
- Living near family and friends provides a rich life experience
- Open doors to contributing in the workplace and community
- Treat people with disabilities with respect and dignity
- Individual supports based on a person’s needs lead to a better life
- Less expensive on average to provide
Our outdated system leaves 850,000 people on waiting lists for as many as 8 – 10 years
The current Medicaid system is set up to always pay for nursing homes and institutions, but home and community-based services
are “optional.” That is why people with disabilities are often stuck waiting for years to access the services they need.
Every day….
- People with disabilities are waiting for their lives to start and often going without the supports they need to achieve their goals.
- Families that want a different life than an institution or nursing home are forced to navigate a patchwork system of supports with waits and no guarantees.
- Family members are often forced to either quit or limit their job choices to provide care due to lack of services.
- People who finally receive services are stuck in one state, because their services aren’t transferable across state lines.
Hear About HCBS From People With Disabilities and Families
For Jud, Chris, and Millions of People With Disabilities – A Bill 70 Years in the Making Has Arrived
Follow a manual added link
Jud and Marty’s Story
Marty’s life-long goal of community life for all is fueled by her love for her brother
Follow a manual added link
Chris and Nicole’s Story
Nicole and Chris know how important HCBS is to his life
Follow a manual added link
Steve’s Story
A journey from institutional neglect to freedom in the community
Independence Can’t Wait
New Bill in Congress Championed by The Arc Will Make Home and Community-Based Services Available to All
Take Action to Make Home and Community-Based
Services Available to All
Share Your Story About Why Community Living Matters
Social Media Toolkit (Coming Soon)
Get the Facts
Plain-Language Medicaid Guide From the Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Arc’s Plain-Language Long Term Supports & Services 101 – English PDF, English Word Document
The Arc’s Plain-Language Long Term Supports & Services 101 – en Español PDF, en Español Word Document
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
