A federal investigation has concluded there is reasonable cause to believe the state violated the American with Disabilities Act.
The Department of Justice investigation release on Wednesday said the state failed to provide community-based care options to residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Glenwood and Woodward Resource Centers.
It found many residents at the Glenwood and Woodward Resource Centers could live in their homes and communities with appropriate services. But they found the state’s system is "heavily biased towards institutions," and often does not have community-based support and services available.
In a statement, state Department of Human Services Director Kelly Garcia said state officials are taking the findings "very seriously," and have been working with the DOJ for the past two years to address the issues in the report.
"We’re proud of the work we’ve already done—during a pandemic—and are committed to continued progress. We express our appreciation of the partnership and collaboration we’ve had with the DOJ since day one," she said.
