Alabama settles waiting list lawsuit
August 6th, 2009From the Birmingham News:
Alabama has agreed to settle a nine-year-old lawsuit over the state’s lengthy waiting list for services for people with intellectual disabilities. The settlement does not force the state to spend more money on services, but will provide families with more information about what services are available and where they stand on the waiting list.
An attorney with the Alabama Disability Advocacy Program said the settlement agreement will make the system more “consumer friendly.”
Thomas Holmes, president of the Arc of Alabama, Inc., said he is concerned the waiting list is climbing. The waiting list numbered about 1,600 in 2006 and was 2,100 in July.
“All we can do is bring this to the attention of legislators and say this is a big problem,” Holmes said.

