Press Releases: 2005 Releases

CLASS Act to Advance the Independence and Productivity of Americans with Disabilities (11/02/2005)

Washington, DC, November 2, 2005 - James Stearns, a national trustee of United Cerebral Palsy, made the following statement at a press conference with Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Mike DeWine (R-OH) announcing the introduction of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act on November 2, 2005. Mr. Stearns, who has cerebral palsy, is an attorney in Washington, D.C., specializing in international trade and has been a leading advocate for people with disabilities for three decades.

“On behalf of United Cerebral Palsy, I applaud Senator Kennedy and Senator DeWine for introducing the CLASS Act. Their legislation advances a system that rewards independence by encouraging people with disabilities to live in their own communities and be productive.

“Under current law, far too many Americans with disabilities must limit their income and assets in order to qualify for essential long-term services and supports provided through Medicaid.

“As a result, many are needlessly forced into poverty and a position of dependence.

“The CLASS Act will fundamentally change this dynamic by creating a new national insurance program to help adults who have or develop functional impairments to remain independent and productive in their own communities. It will also honor the right of people with disabilities to choose the services they receive.”

“Finally, the CLASS Act will help alleviate the concerns of aging Americans with disabilities, by ensuring that they do not have to impoverish themselves to qualify for Medicaid when they find themselves in need of support.

“United Cerebral Palsy and its national network of service providers look forward to working with Senator Kennedy, Senator DeWine and all Members of Congress to promptly enact this meaningful and innovative legislation.”

About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation’s leading organizations serving and advocating for the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. Most UCP consumers are people with disabilities other than cerebral palsy. Through its nationwide network, United Cerebral Palsy offers services to individuals, families and communities such as job training and placement, physical therapy, individual and family support, early intervention, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, and instruction on how to use technology to perform everyday tasks. For more information, visit www.ucp.org or call (800) 872-5827.

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