DOJ Settlement Regarding Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

April 2014 — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has entered into a 10-year, statewide settlement agreement with the State of Rhode Island. The settlement follows an investigation of Rhode Island’s statewide day-activity service system for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The investigation found that Rhode Island depended heavily on segregated services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while those individuals were also subject to low wages and “little or no contact with persons without disabilities.” Under the Supreme Court decision made in Olmstead v. L.C., individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities have the right to integrated services and community living rather than institutionalization. Accordingly, under the settlement, Rhode Island will redirect State funding to more integrated services including those which support individuals in finding improved employment, provide more integrated non-work activities, and provide better transition services for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.  Of the agreement, U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha for the District of Rhode Island stated, “It ushers in a new day of opportunity – opportunity for Rhode Island residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live, work and spend their recreational time alongside their fellow Rhode Islanders.”