The Arc of Indiana & Self-Advocates of Indiana
Disability Policy Issues Questionnaire
District 9
Tonya Hudson – libertarian
Question 1 – Would you support federal legislation to make Home and Community-Based Services a mandatory Medicaid benefit? Why or why not?
Response: Yes. People with special needs should have easy access to benefits through Medicaid.
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. SSI resource limits should be adjusted the same as Social Security benefits for seniors.
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: I think the strength of the Direct Support Professional workforce should be at the State and local levels as the federal government as a tendency for waste and fraud.
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: States like Indiana should monitor and improve the situational environment in classroom settings.
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: It’s illegal for landlords and/or rental complexes (ADA) to discriminate against people with disabilities. Handicap accessibility should be required. As a member of Lions Club, we at the local level in Lawrence County, build wheelchair ramps for those who fall through the cracks.
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: It’s illegal for Landlords and/or rental complexes (ADA) to discriminate against people with disabilities. Handicap accessibility should be required. As a member of Lions Club, we at the local level in Lawrence County, build wheelchair ramps for those who fall through the cracks.
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.