A high percentage of individuals leaving jails and prisons have disabilities, especially intellectual, mental, and physical disabilities. These individuals face unique barriers obtaining housing, employment, healthcare, and other supports needed for smooth reentry to the community. If individuals are on parole or probation, there are often complex requirements that, if not met, can lead to further incarceration. This webinar will provide basic legal information and policy strategies advocates can use to obtain HCBS for individuals who have been incarcerated, for example: requiring parole and probation materials to be provided in plain language, enrolling individuals in Medicaid prior to release, and recognizing discrimination by service providers. Participants will be able to share questions and solutions. The webinar is open to all, no legal background is required.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize common barriers and discrimination experienced by disabled individuals returning to the community after incarceration.
- Summarize laws that prohibit discrimination and require reasonable accommodations to facilitate reentry.
- Assess whether your agency or coalition has the resources to engage in advocacy to support disabled individuals returning to the community following incarceration.
Speakers:
Rebecca Shaeffer and Elizabeth Priaulx, NDRN
