Providing Individuals with Disabilities the Tools to Live Independently
Senator Harkin strongly believes that individuals with disabilities should have full access to the medical care, equipment and services they need in order to live full, independent lives. Often times, a small amount of assistance can allow an individual to live in his or her own home, go to work and fully contribute to society. Over the course of his service in Congress, Senator Harkin has worked to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the following ways:
- Senator Harkin is the author and chief Senate sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This landmark legislation literally transformed the American landscape by requiring the installation of ramps, lifts, curb cuts, widened doorways and more to make America more accessible to individuals with disabilities. The ADA gave millions of Americans the opportunity to work and participate in their communities, and has been described as the "Emancipation Proclamation for people with disabilities."
- Twenty years after its enactment, the ADA has broken down barriers, created opportunities and transformed lives. Today, we recognize that people with disabilities - like all people - have unique abilities, talents and aptitudes. And our nation is better, fairer and richer when we make full use of those gifts. The ADA is America at its very, very best.
- Twenty years after its enactment, the ADA has broken down barriers, created opportunities and transformed lives. Today, we recognize that people with disabilities - like all people - have unique abilities, talents and aptitudes. And our nation is better, fairer and richer when we make full use of those gifts. The ADA is America at its very, very best.
- The Community First Choice (CFC) Option, which Senator Harkin worked to include in the health reform law, will cover the provision of personal care services to help with the activities of daily living - such as dressing, bathing, grooming and eating - that allow people to be able to live independently.
- Community-based services and supports allow people with disabilities to lead independent lives, have jobs and participate in the community. Many will get an education and participate in civic life. But all will have a chance to make their own choices and to govern their own lives. The CFC Option will be available to states in October of 2011.
- In addition to supporting the CFC option, Senator Harkin has pushed for years to end the institutional bias in the Medicaid program by passing the Community Choice Act, which would give individuals with disabilities who are eligible for nursing home care the choice of receiving long-term services and supports in the community.
- Community-based services and supports allow people with disabilities to lead independent lives, have jobs and participate in the community. Many will get an education and participate in civic life. But all will have a chance to make their own choices and to govern their own lives. The CFC Option will be available to states in October of 2011.
- Senator Harkin has secured funding for Centers for Independent Living, Rehabilitation Services, and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.