TFC's Letter on WA HB1158: Community Inclusion Services

We would like to share with you Scott Mendel's letter to Washington State Representative Mari Leavitt regarding HB 1158 and its proposal to add Community Inclusion Services as a new vocational program available to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Washington.  

Scott argues that the proposed Community Inclusion Services program in Washington (HB 1158) does not violate the federal Settings Rule or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He emphasizes that the Settings Rule prioritizes individual choice and control for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD).

He also claims that Community Inclusion Services simply adds another option for individuals to choose, furthering the Settings Rule's goal. Similarly, he argues the program aligns with the ADA, citing the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and DOJ guidance, which affirm that individuals cannot be forced into integrated settings if they prefer other options. He concludes that HB 1158 would simply add a choice, not force anyone into a specific setting, and is therefore compliant with both the Settings Rule and the ADA.

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You can download the letter by clicking on the file below.

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