PETITION LANGUAGE 

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We, the undersigned, urgently call upon the United States Congress to enact federal legislation addressing the dire lack of accountability and transparency surrounding sexual abuse cases in publicly/taxpayer funded disability programs, particularly those supported by Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

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It is deeply troubling that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are victimized at a rate seven times higher than the general population, as reported by National Public Radio (NPR). Worse still, only 3% of these cases are reported, leaving the vast majority of perpetrators unpunished and free to re-offend. Link to NPR's Series, Abused and Betrayed.

Compounding this issue is the misuse of public/taxpayer funds to settle cases of abuse within these programs. Settlements are often shrouded in secrecy, preventing the public from knowing the true extent of the problem and hindering efforts for systemic reform and accountability.

Taxpayers have a vested interest in ensuring that their funds are used ethically, responsibly, and transparently. By holding government agencies and institutions accountable for their handling of sexual abuse claims involving people with disabilities, taxpayers can help promote justice, protect people with varying support needs, and uphold the values of their communities.

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Therefore, we urgently call for the following actions:

• Federal legislation mandating transparency and accountability measures for all publicly funded disability programs, including HCBS Waivers. This includes the requirement for detailed reporting of abuse cases while protecting the victim, investigation outcomes, and how public funds are used in settlements. The amount will not be disclosed. 

• Establish mechanisms for independent oversight and review of abuse cases within these programs to ensure that justice is served and perpetrators are held accountable.

• Allocate resources to support survivors of abuse and improve the safety and quality of care within publicly funded disability programs.                        

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Congress must take swift and decisive action to protect the rights and dignity of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By holding publicly funded programs accountable and ensuring transparency in the use of public funds, we can create a safer and more just society for all.

Together, let us demand federal accountability and transparency for publicly funded disability programs. Sign this petition to support legislative action that protects the individuals in our community.

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Frequenty Asked Questions  

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How are Programs that Support People with Disabilities in the United States funded? 

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In the United States, programs that support people with disabilities are often funded through a combination of federal, state, and local government sources, as well as through private organizations and donations. Some of the key sources of funding for disability programs include:

Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including individuals with disabilities. Medicaid funds are often used to support home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers, which help individuals with disabilities access services and supports in their communities instead of in institutions.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): These federal programs provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work due to their impairments. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes, while SSI is funded through general tax revenues.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): IDEA is a federal law that provides funding to states and local school districts to support the education of children with disabilities. This funding helps ensure that children with disabilities receive the services and accommodations they need to access a free and appropriate public education.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs: VR programs, which are administered by state governments, help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. These programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds.

Housing Assistance Programs: Various federal and state housing assistance programs provide affordable housing options for individuals with disabilities, including rental assistance, supportive housing, and home modification grants.

Nonprofit Organizations and Donations: Many nonprofit organizations and charities provide services and supports for individuals with disabilities, often relying on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund their programs.

Overall, funding for programs that support people with disabilities in the United States comes from a variety of sources, reflecting the complex and interconnected nature of the support system for individuals with disabilities.

 

Why is the rate of sexual abuse so high for people with I/DD? 

Several factors contribute to the higher rate of sexual abuse experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD):

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1. Communication Barriers: Many individuals with I/DD may have difficulty communicating effectively or may not be able to communicate verbally at all. This can make it harder for them to disclose instances of abuse or to express discomfort or distress, leaving them more vulnerable to exploitation.

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2. Reliance on Caregivers: Individuals with I/DD often rely on caregivers for assistance with daily tasks, personal care, and decision-making. Unfortunately, perpetrators may exploit this dependence and abuse their positions of trust and power.

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3. Lack of Education and Awareness: There may be a lack of education and awareness about sexual abuse prevention within the disability community, both among individuals with disabilities themselves and among their caregivers and support networks. This can leave individuals with I/DD less equipped to recognize and report instances of abuse.

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4. Social Isolation: People with disabilities, particularly those with severe disabilities, may experience social isolation and have limited opportunities for socialization and community engagement. Perpetrators may target individuals who are socially isolated and less likely to have support networks or advocates.

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5. Stereotypes and Stigma: Stereotypes and stigma surrounding disability may contribute to the perception that individuals with I/DD are less capable of understanding or resisting abuse, leading perpetrators to view them as easy targets.

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6. Systemic Failures: There are often systemic failures within institutions and service systems that serve individuals with disabilities, including inadequate training for staff, lack of oversight, and failures to address reports of abuse effectively. These systemic failures can create environments where abuse is more likely to occur and less likely to be detected or addressed.

Addressing the high rate of sexual abuse experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities requires comprehensive efforts to promote education, awareness, empowerment, and systemic change.

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This includes implementing abuse prevention programs, providing training for caregivers and support staff, ensuring access to appropriate support services and resources, and strengthening policies and procedures to prevent and respond to instances of abuse effectively.