WASHINGTON — People in wheelchairs crowded on the White House steps with a message for President Barack Obama. Organizers of ADAPT, a disability civil rights group, protested on Monday for people with disabilities.
The group chanted, “I rather go to jail than die in a nursing home.”
The Disability Integration Act, introduced by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., allows people with disabilities to live in communities instead of institutions.
In the final months of the Obama administration, ADAPT is demanding Vice President Joe Biden become an “Ambassador for Community Living.” The organization wants a statement from Obama assuring people with disabilities have an alternative to living in nursing homes.
“With the end of the administration very near we want to make sure he understands it’s more important than ever that he strengthens his resolution to get people out of nursing homes,” David Wittie, ADAPT protester. “We would like him to support people living in the community.”