# Understanding This Resolution on Independent Living for People with Disabilities

This resolution is Congress's way of saying "we support the Americans with Disabilities Act and think we need to do more." It's not a new law—it's a statement of support that calls for stronger action to help people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities rather than in institutions.

The resolution recognizes that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed back in 1990, made a real difference by giving people with disabilities legal protections and rights. But the resolution argues that more work needs to be done. Specifically, it's pushing for better support systems that allow people with disabilities to live where they choose—whether that's their own apartment, a house with family, or a supported living arrangement in the community—instead of being placed in group homes, nursing facilities, or other institutional settings.

**Who this affects:** This mainly impacts people with disabilities and their families, as well as disability service providers and advocates. It could also influence how states and the federal government spend money on disability services. If Congress takes this resolution seriously, it might lead to more funding for home and community-based services, better support for personal care attendants, more accessible housing options, and programs that help people with disabilities live more independently.

The resolution doesn't create any immediate changes or requirements, but it signals that Congress thinks the current system needs improvement and encourages policymakers to prioritize giving people with disabilities real choices about where and how they live.

A resolution recognizing the importance of independent living for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling for further action to strengthen home and community living for individuals with disabilities.

Casey, Robert P., Jr.

 <p>This resolution addresses issues related to individuals with disabilities.</p> <p>Specifically, the resolution</p> <ul> <li>recognizes the importance of independent living for individuals with disabilities made possible by the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and encourages all Americans to celebrate the advancement of inclusion and equality of opportunity made possible by its enactment;</li> <li>pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the national goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for individuals with disabilities;</li> <li> pledges to work with states to improve access to home- and community-based services for individuals with disabilities; </li> <li>calls on the Department of Labor to provide information, resources, and technical assistance to enable individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency; and </li> <li> calls on the Department of Health and Human Services to provide information, resources, and technical assistance regarding such services that enable individuals with disabilities to live independently.</li> </ul>