Florida Found Guilty of Violating Americans with Disabilities Act by Institutionalizing Disabled Children

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has ruled that the State of Florida violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by unnecessarily institutionalizing children with disabilities in nursing facilities and placing others at risk of institutionalization. The court found that these children are capable of living in the community and that parents overwhelmingly want their children to live at home but have not been given meaningful options. The ruling marks a major turning point in the treatment of children with disabilities in Florida and emphasizes their right to community integration. Florida must now take steps to ensure access to necessary services and develop transition plans for institutionalized children.