The Autistic Self Advocacy Network applauds Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Robert Casey (D-PA) for the introduction of the Transition to Independence Act (S.1604). This legislation will create a ten-state demonstration program, within which states will receive bonus payments from the federal government for achieving increases in the number of people with disabilities in competitive integrated employment and reducing the number of people with disabilities in segregated sheltered workshop and facility based day habilitation settings.
This legislation emerged from within the disability community, crafted with technical assistance from the National Council on Disability. The bill will speed the progress of the Employment First movement, which is already encouraging states to shift towards more integrated models of employment and day services. People with disabilities deserve the right to be included in all aspects of life – including the workplace. The Transition to Independence Act (S. 1604) provides states with new incentives and resources to accelerate that transition. We urge its swift passage.