Position on State Schools

Issue

People with disabilities have been placed in facilities so they could receive services and supports. We believe that families had no other choice than State School placements because there was no other way at that time. The state is now working on a plan for the future of human services and we want to tell them what it is we need in community living supports and services.

Position

Texas Advocates believes that:

• All people with disabilities can live in their local community with other people and be fully included.
• State Schools are no longer NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE FOR ANYONE.

Recommendation

• Continue to move people into the community.
• Allow the residents' State School money to follow them into the community to pay for their services and supports.
• Develop community services and supports for all people in State Schools who have a recommendation to be placed in the community.
• Use the person-centered planning process when determining community services and supports for people in State Schools so that it reflects the person's wants and needs.