Texas Accused Of Warehousing Disabled People In Nursing Homes
SAN ANTONIO (AP/CBSDFW.com) - Advocates for 4,500 developmentally disabled Texans in nursing homes are suing the state for allegedly denying those residents access to better living.
The federal lawsuit was filed Monday in San Antonio. It alleges the state isn't providing some mentally and physically disabled Texans the opportunity to move into community-based settings, which advocates say are less restrictive and more rehabilitative than nursing homes.
The lawsuit was filed by the advocacy groups the Arc of Texas and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. They accuse the state of violating the American with Disabilities Act.
Another advocacy group, Advocacy Incorporated, is also involved with the lawsuit. Garth Corbett, an attorney with the group, says in many cases, the state is breaking federal law by putting disabled people in nursing homes:
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Gov. Rick Perry's office said it cannot comment on pending litigation. But spokeswoman Catherine Frazier says Perry is confident the state will take the necessary steps to ensure that vulnerable Texas receive proper care and services.
(C) Copyright 2010 CBS Local Media. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
