Letter to legislators from 48 organizations: Close RHCs

The Arc of Washington State is proud to stand alongside 48 members of the Community Advocacy Coalition for Developmental Disabilities and urge legislators to support the consolidation of state-run institutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, also known as Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs).

Earlier this month, we sent this joint letter to legislators and urged them to pass SB 5393/HB 1472 and further consolidate state-run institutions, give residents the choice to transition safely into community settings as they are able, and create opportunities for investing in the community services that people with disabilities are asking for. As stated in the letter,

“It is critical that adequate services are provided in community settings. Those of us with the most complex needs can and are supported successfully in the community. All relevant research supports the fact that community settings result in improved quality of life in areas such as: integration, social participation, employment, choice-making and self-determination, quality and duration of services, contact with friends and relatives, and other indicators of quality of life.”

As community advocate and leader Shawn Latham said in his guest editorial in The News Tribune this week:

“For those of us at risk of being institutionalized, the closure of these facilities represents Washington’s ongoing commitment to moving away from segregated living and our willingness to invest in care that centers the humanity of people with disabilities.”

We urge the legislature to stand fast with their commitment.

Click here to open the PDF of the letter in a new tab.

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