It took a lawsuit, but Utah legislators agree to pay millions to transition intellectually disabled

It took a lawsuit, but Utah legislators agree to pay millions to transition intellectually disabled adults into their own housing


In coming years, scores of developmentally and intellectually disabled adults in Utah could move from institutional housing to community settings that offer them new freedom and independence.

The state has agreed to transition 250 individuals out of care facilities over the next five years as part of settling a lawsuit that accused Utah of “unlawful institutionalization and segregation” of disabled adults.

It’s a change that will be expensive for the state — with estimated costs of $7 million in the first year and even more afterward — some of that to provide rental assistance and skilled nursing services to individuals who choose to live on their own.

“I hope that at least it really does make things better for some folks,” said Rep. Ray Ward, who in the recent legislative session sponsored a resolution to approve the settlement agreement.

Read more: https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/04/07/federal-lawsuit-accusing/