FY2014 Public Policy Platform Public Policy Platform Summary FY2014

The Arc Maryland works to create a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities

Public Policy Platform Summary
2014 Priorities
The Arc Maryland advocates to protect the rights and to increase opportunities for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our top priorities are:
?

Enforce civil rights. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are equal under the
law and are entitled to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law. We advocate for
elimination of discrimination in housing, transportation, recreation, education, and community
access. We advocate for enforcement of existing legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and the Olmstead Supreme Court Decision. This means: Close Institutions. Unjustified
segregation is a violation of individual rights. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities
have the legal right to inclusive lives within the community. We oppose the expansion of the state
residential centers (SRC) (including the Secure Evaluation and Therapeutic Treatment Center (SETT))
and expect the Department of Health Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to develop appropriate community
capacity.

?

Fix chronic underfunding for current and future needs:
? Fix Underfunding of Current Programs and Services in order to achieve a reasonable quality of
life for all.
? Reform the current system so that funding pays for actual needs and costs
? State funding must accommodate the actual cost of labor: employee benefits and a
fair/living wage.
? Adequately fund the full life span of an individual -- for example, state funding does not cover
transportation, life-long education supports, job transition supports, or medical costs associated
with aging.
? Adequately fund individuals who are receiving supports and services at home.
? Additional funding is required to accompany the Alcohol Tax in order to fully fund individuals in
crisis (and emergencies) on the DDA waiting list.
? Adequately fund children and youth in need (including infants and toddlers, <21, in school and
out of school time).
? Fully fund 100% of the children eligible for waiver services who are on the on the Autism
Waiver Waiting List.
? Fully fund and find placements for 100% of the "Transitioning Youth" entering the adult
service delivery system.

1|P a g e

Board Ratified

October 2013