The Arc of Indiana & Self-Advocates of Indiana
Disability Policy Issues Questionnaire
District 6
Marlin Stutzman – Republican (Incumbent)
Question 1 – 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: The candidate did not respond to this question.
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: Direct Support Professionals and other caregivers provide essential services to people with disabilities. These individuals sometimes serve as the gateway for participation in the workforce and the community. There are many great organizations that provide this assistance in Indiana’s Third District; I support ways to not only uplift these organizations, but also assist in recruiting qualified individuals for these jobs. DSPs have an incredible impact, and I believe more can be done to communicate this high-impact career pathway to those students who may not desire a traditional four year degree pathway.
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: Ultimately, every child with disabilities has a unique set of needs to be met while at school. Each student’s parents should ultimately and always have a say in how difficult situations are handled with their child before they arise. I would encourage local schools and subsequent policies to always involve parents in these conversations. Seclusion and restraint should never be the go-to, and I encourage school district staff to engage with parents on ways to handle difficult situations. Parents and caregivers will always know how best to care for their children.
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: This Congress, I helped to pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which expanded avenues to build our nation’s housing supply for all Americans. One of my bills, the Streamlining Rural Housing Act, was included in this package and signed into law. This bill would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Agriculture to streamline the regulatory process for starting housing projects funded by either agency. Some of these projects, specifically funded by HUD, are required to have units accessible to those with mobility, hearing, and/or vision impairments.
I was happy to have my bill included in this package to further support the availability of housing for those with disabilities, and I look forward to advancing other policies to continue this effort.
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: Having transportation to the store, doctors’ appointments, church events, and more is vital in today’s society. Those with disabilities should not be left behind because transportation doesn’t exist to serve their needs. Non-profits and organizations within our communities know best how to meet these transportation needs. I am proud to know many organizations in Indiana’s Third District that perform this work, including transportation for those who cannot drive. I support ways to encourage assistance to these pivotal services to better serve our community.
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.