In IL: Settlement Gives 3,000 People with Developmental Disabilities Choice of Community-Based Housing

via the Chicago Tribune (6.15.11):
Deal gives 3,000 developmentally disabled people choice of community-based housing
 

Settlement gives state 6 years to complete plan

by Lisa Black

State officials will begin drawing up plans to move 3,000 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities into community-based housing of their choice, as directed under a federal settlement approved Wednesday that allows for a six-year timetable.

The governor's office praised the settlement, which will expand services to new residents on a 21,000-member waiting list — but officials offered no answers on how they expect to pay additional costs during Illinois' fiscal crunch.

"The final cost will be determined by how many people elect community-based care," said Januari Smith, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Human Services, the defendants in the lawsuit.

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How do you think IL residents with developmental disabilities will respond to having this option? Share your thoughts in comments below.