The Arc of Indiana & Self-Advocates of Indiana
Disability Policy Issues Questionnaire
District 7
André Carson – Democrat (Incumbent)
Question 1 – Home and Community Based Services
Would you support federal legislation to make Home and Community-Based Services a mandatory Medicaid benefit? Why or why not?
Response: The candidate did not respond to this question.
Question 2 – Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Do you believe the current SSI resource limits should be increased, indexed for inflation, or otherwise reformed? Why or why not?
Response: Yes, resource limits should be increased and indexed for inflation to improve the quality of life, health and well-being of SSI recipients.
About SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides a modest cash benefit for low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or have disabilities. While costs for basic necessities have increased over the years, SSI’s asset limits have not kept pace with inflation and have remained largely unchanged since 1989. An individual on SSI generally cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources at any time. Married couples are only allowed $3,000. Resources that count towards the SSI asset limit include cash, money in bank accounts, stocks and bonds, and certain other assets.
Question 3 – Direct Support Professional (DSP) Crisis
What federal policies would you support to strengthen the Direct Support Professional workforce, including recruitment, retention, compensation, and support for family caregivers?
Response: Increasing the availability of qualified DSPs is critical for the well-being of individuals with disabilities and to expand job opportunities for these important professionals. I support programs that support expanded training and hiring of these professionals.
About The DSP Crisis
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide essential support that allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and participate in their communities.
However, the profession continues to experience chronic workforce shortages driven by low wages, limited benefits, and high turnover. Nationally, DSP turnover exceeds 40% annually, and many providers report vacancy rates that leave critical positions unfilled. These workforce shortages contribute to service disruptions, increased caregiver strain, longer waiting lists for waivers, and reduced access to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Question 4 – Seclusion and Restraint
What would you do to address issues of seclusion and restraint in schools for students with disabilities?
Response: Seclusion and restraint should be avoided and only used as a last resort – not an ongoing or routine pattern. If needed, it should be used for only a very limited time if no other option is available. It should not be the default. We need more resources and staffing for students with special needs to provide equal educational opportunities and experiences. Whether students have physical, intellectual or emotional challenges, we need adequate and quality resources to help every student learn and grow to their full potential.
About Seclusion and Restraint
Seclusion and restraint are crisis intervention practices used in some schools across the nation. Seclusion generally involves involuntarily confining a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving. Restraint may involve physical, mechanical, or chemical interventions that restrict a student’s movement.
Students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to seclusion and restraint practices. Disability advocates have raised concerns regarding safety, trauma, transparency, accountability, and the use of these interventions when less restrictive alternatives may be available.
Question 5 – Housing
What federal policies would you support to expand safe, affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities for people with disabilities?
Response: I’m a strong supporter of full and expanded funding for housing programs with supportive services and continuum of care, including HUD’s Sec. 8, Sec. 202, Sec. 811, HOPWA and Mainstream Vouchers. We need more affordable housing, including resources in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which I supported. But we must also strengthen and expand targeted programs for this community.
About Housing
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a housing crisis, with many contributing factors, such as a serious lack of safe, affordable, accessible and integrated housing, and significant housing-related discrimination. Access to stable housing is essential to community integration, employment, health, and quality of life.
Question 6 – Transportation
What actions would you take to improve the availability, accessibility, reliability, and affordability of transportation options for people with disabilities?
Response: As an active member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I believe that transportation is a civil right. I strongly supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which provided more resources for transit, paratransit and transportation assistance for those who need it. I also support infrastructure improvements and enhancements to ease mobility barriers for anyone with disabilities, including pedestrian safety programs like Safe Streets for All. As the Ranking Member of Aviation Subcommittee, I am leading efforts to improve accessibility, safety and dignity for airline passengers with disabilities. This includes stronger oversight to prevent damage to wheelchairs and mobility devices and enforcing the rules Congress mandated that require airlines to repair or pay travelers for items damaged.
About Transportation
People with IDD lack sufficient access to reliable, accessible, and safe modes of public and private transportation. Every mode of transportation, including air, water, road, rail, and even pedestrian transportation, presents barriers for individuals with IDD. These barriers prevent people with IDD from meaningful participation in everyday activities that promote high-quality community living experiences.
Reliable and accessible transportation is essential for people with disabilities to access employment, education, health care, community activities, and other opportunities. Transportation limitations can significantly restrict independence and community participation.