Prominent experts also challenged the current system. Bob Carl, Rhode Island's director of developmental disabilities services, told the panel that the technology and know-how existed to serve all people in the community. Only a lack of imagination and the will to make it happen stood in the way.
Other experts testified that even those with the most profound disabilities could be employed if given the right training. You could almost hear the myths regarding readiness to live in the community falling to the wayside.
Bob Carl
In the early 1980s, the state Arc hosted consumer hearings around the state as "People First" groups sprang up across the country, giving people with developmental disabilities an opportunity to speak for themselves.
Cliff Poetz, Irving Martin and Gloria Steinbring spearheaded Minnesota's efforts.
All three individuals became national leaders in self-advocacy, serving on national boards and making presentations nationally and internationally.
Irving Martin (left) and Cliff Poetz (right) helped give people with developmental disabilities a chance to speak for themselves.
In 1981, Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, allowing states to apply for 3 year waivers so that Medicaid could pay for services provided in people's homes.
No one could have predicted that this waiver would eventually become the largest funding stream for people with developmental disabilities.
All three individuals became national leaders in self-advocacy, serving on national boards and making presentations nationally and internationally.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act allowed Medicaid to pay for services in individual's homes.