DOJ finds Idaho violates disability rights in nursing homes [Video]

BOISE — The Department of Justice notified Idaho this week that it is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act because of how it administers its long-term care system for adults with physical disabilities.

In a letter sent to Gov. Brad Little on Thursday, the DOJ said it found that many residents who are relatively young or have low care needs could live in the community with appropriate supports and cites the state’s limited community services and over-reliance on institutional settings. That has led to segregating adults with physical disabilities from their communities.

Federal law requires states to give services to people with disabilities in integrated settings, …