Advancing Disability Advocacy: A Step Towards Inclusion and Empowerment

Journeys Family of Services strives to provide positive opportunities that leave a lasting impact on our community, ensuring everyone finds their place and purpose in the world. A crucial step to finding your place and purpose is how and where you live. HAS Incorporated , a member of the Journeys family, focuses on increasing independence and community inclusion by providing opportunities to live independently – elevating individuals with developmental disabilities to their highest potential. Recent developments in disability advocacy underscore the importance of our work and inspire us to continue our efforts.

Breaking Barriers with Legal Milestones

In North Carolina, a landmark settlement in the Samantha R. case is set to transform community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This settlement mandates the state's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to transition more people from institutional settings to community care, with clear benchmarks and accountability measures. This progress is a testament to the power of advocacy and the relentless pursuit of equity.

Strengthening Federal Protections

On a national level, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently finalized a rule under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, enhancing civil rights protections for people with disabilities. This rule addresses discrimination in medical treatment and ensures accessibility of medical diagnostic equipment and digital content. These updates are crucial in removing barriers and ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive fair and unbiased care.

Advocacy for Inclusive Housing

In addition to service improvements, there is a significant push for inclusive housing options for individuals with IDD. Proposed legislation in North Carolina aims to create a rental subsidy program, adding 200 rental subsidies annually over five years. This initiative aligns with our belief at HAS Incorporated and Journeys DDA that everyone deserves a place to call home and a supportive community.

Our Commitment to Advocacy and Empowerment

At Journeys Family of Services, we are dedicated to elevating individuals to their highest potential through various innovative programs and initiatives. Over the past year, we have expanded our services to include independent, supported living services mentioned above, vocational training programs that enable individuals with disabilities to gain meaningful employment and develop essential job skills, supported nursing services, and more Our partnerships with local businesses, property management companies, and service providers foster the inclusive environment we are striving for and demonstrate the value that individuals with disabilities bring to our community.

These efforts are part of our broader commitment to advocacy and empowerment. We actively participate in policy discussions and collaborate with advocacy groups to drive systemic change. Our goal is to create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life.

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These recent advancements in disability advocacy are a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve true inclusion and empowerment. We stand with our community and partners in advocating for policies and programs that support individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can live fulfilling, independent lives.

For more information about our services and how we can support you, visit HAS Incorporated, GuidePost Residential, and Journeys Family of Services .