1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

The DOJ/OLC memo states that neither the ADA nor the Rehab Act impose a mandate for community care. Since the Rehab Act of 1973, people with disabilities have been gainfully employed, faced less discrimination and increased the use of accessible technology such as close captioning and communication for the deaf. Since 1990, the ADA has provided further protection against discrimination in all areas of public life: employment, public services, public accommodations, telecommunications and protection against retaliation. Since 1999, the Olmsted Act led to community-based programs and services that further include people with disabilities in society. Why go backwards? It's already extraordinarily difficult to receive and maintain government-funded services. Why make it harder or impossible? Could it be cruelty? It won't save money, it won't be of any benefit to the country. Institutions are warehouses that cost the federal and state budgets far more than community programs. People in institutions can't work, but in community programs they can work and pay taxes. The advocacy groups supporting people with disabilities are not quiet. They are loud and they will not give up. They vote, often with rights for people with disabilities as a single deciding issue. As someone who has spent 38 years working with the community and as a member of this community, I recognize the strength of this community. The door to our community has been opened. It will be impossible to close it again.