My letter to Judge Gibney asking for court support of the DOJ agreement to close Virginia's institutions

I mailed this on 4.2.12 because 4.6.12 was the deadline for public comment to Judge Gibney. I wonder how many letters he got?

Please support the DOJ agreement - right to live in our community



Dear Honorable John A. Gibney Jr.,

I'm a person with a disability that has lived in the community all my life. I have friends. I do activities in the community. I went to public school along side my non-disabled peers. I feel institutions are holding me back even though I have never lived in one. (and in order from me ending up in one, I demand that all Virginia's institutions be closed) The Olmstead Decision says I have the right to live in the community. Living at home saves the government money, because institutions cost three times as much to care for one person. I'm appalled the institution in Chesapeake is still open. There are thirteen states with NO institutions for people with disabilities, I want Virginia to be next on that list. Make home support stronger so people can receive quality home care in their communities.
Keeping institution staff employed and/or fear of weak home support is no reason to keep people with disabilities from their right to live in their community!

Regards,
Ivy Kennedy
Disability Rights Advocate


UPDATE: On 6.8.12 Judge Gibney ruled in favor of the DOJ agreement. I was there to hear the events in the courtroom! Read news articles and my opinion: HERE


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