On November 24, adult home residents and their allies rallied in front of Governor Patersons New York City office to decry the Governors refusal to fully comply with a recent Federal Court order to stop segregating people with psychiatric disabilities in large institutionalized adult homes. On the same day, the US Department of Justice issued an Intervenor Memorandum opposing the Governors plan because it is unreasonable and inadequate to address the violations found by the Court.

Now all parties await the Courts determination of a proper remedy, which is then subject to appeal by the State. Residents continue to petition the Governor NOT to appeal, but to instead take the lead in redirecting state funds currently associated with adult home beds to pay for the expansion of community-based housing ordered by the Court.
Please join us and email Governor Paterson at www.ny.gov/governor

MAJOR VICTORY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN ADULT HOMES--On Sept 8, Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Nicholas Garaufis found New York State violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by segregating people with psychiatric disabilities in large adult care facilities with over 120 beds. The judge directed NY State to propose a remedy by mid-October to move over 4,500 residents into community-based supported apartments. A number of CIAD members testified in this case. The judge's decision underscores what CIAD has been saying for years—that every adult home resident who wants to deserves an opportunity to live in a more integrated setting—that is, in the community like everybody else.

Please write to New York State Governor David Paterson urging him to do the right thing--take action instead of appealing this case and dragging it out. People with psychiatric disabilities don't belong in institutions; they will do better in supported apartments for the same, or less, cost. Write to Governor Paterson at: www.state.ny.us/governor