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Judge to OK Settlement on Disabilities Lawsuit
CHICAGO (AP) -- Another hurdle has been cleared for a settlement in a civil rights lawsuit that gives thousands of Illinois adults with developmental disabilities more housing options.

The agreement settles claims that Illinois violates the civil rights of the developmentally disabled by needlessly segregating them in large institutions. It also says Illinois can't divert money from large private facilities to pay for community services and residents happily living in institutions can stay. Institutionalized residents can choose to move to smaller homes and get support services.

U.S. District Judge James Holderman said Wednesday that he'll approve the agreement. The lawsuit was filed in 2005.

The agreement affects 6,000 adults who receive state aid and live in privately operated care facilities.

A federal report ranks Illinois last nationwide for helping such people live independently.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
06 15 11 by Newsroom
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