Your legal right to living in the community

If you have a disability, you have the legal right to live where you want. If you are currently living in a large facility, you have the right to leave for a smaller place to live in a community of your choice.

The Americans with Disabilities Act says states MUST give services in the “most integrated setting.” In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court said that segregating people with disabilities in institutions is a form of discrimination. Now, more people with disabilities are living in the community.

Moving to the community can work for anyone.

Community living can work for everyone

No matter what type of disability or how severe it is, anyone can live happily in the community.

You can get every type of service and support at your own home that you can get at a large facility. Often, you can get the same help in the community at lower cost and higher quality. These include:

• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Nursing
• 24-hour support or supervision
• Vocational training

The types of places you can choose to live in include:

• Apartments
• Shared living
• Group homes
• Family homes

People who choose to stay in the family home with parents or other relatives can have services right at home.