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In The News

On this page you will find news stories, reports, videos and more relevant to the long-term care needs of individuals who experience life with a disability label in Texas. 

Reports 

U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division 

    DOJ CRIPA Investigation Lubbock State School (2006)
    DOJ CRIPA Investigation Texas State Schools (2008)
    DOJ Complaint (2009)
    DOJ Settlement Agreement (2009) 
    DOJ Compliance/Monitoring Reports (ongoing)
 
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)
 
    Physical and Behavioral Health Services in the Home and Community-Based 
    Services and Community Living Assistance and Support Services Medicaid Waiver
    Programs Report (April 2012)

    DADS Legislative Appropriations Request (2010)  
    DADS Report Update for State Supported Living Centers (2010)
    Medicaid Waiver Interest List Reduction Summary (2010)
    DADS Report Individuals who Are Aging with IDD & DADS Services (June 2012)
    DADS Legislative Presentation Charge #5 (July 2012)
    DADS Legislative Presentation Charge #9 (July 2012) 
    DADS FY 2014-2015 LAR Presentation (September 2012) 
    DADS Report Update for State Supported Living Centers (2012-2013)

LBJ School of Public Affairs Center for Politics and Governance 

    Department of Aging and Disability Services: State School Abuse Report

Office of the Independent Ombudsman

    Biannual Report (December 2011 - May 2012)
    Biannual Report (June 2012 - November 2012)  

Texas Legislative Budget Board (LBB) 
    
    Transform State Residential Services for Persons with Intellectual and  
    Developmental Disabilities Report (2011) 
    Downsizing of the State Supported Living Center System Issue Brief

Texas Public Policy Foundation - Policy Perspective 
   
    Privatize State Supported Living Centers, A Fiscal Necessity and Quality of Care
    Requirement - perspective

Children's Policy Council
    
    Report: Recommendations for improving services for children with disabilities in 
    Texas

Research and Training Center on Community Living 

    National Residential Information Systems Project Annual Survey (2012)

UCP: The Case for Inclusion

    2012 Report (Texas ranks 50th)
    2011 Report (Texas ranks 49th) 
    2010 Report (Texas ranks 49th)

Institute on Community Inclusion 

    StateData: The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes 

National Disability Rights Network 

    Beyond Segregated and Exploited, Update on the Employment of 
    People with Disabilities Report (April 2012)

Videos

    No Voice No Justice: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless (April 2013)
    Justice For Michael (September 2009)

News Stories

2013

Caregiver gets 2-year sentence for BSSLC assault
The Banner Press - April 27, 2013 Article

12 El Paso State Center Employees Fired
El Paso Times - April 18, 2013 Article

Ex-Lubbock living center employee pleads guilty in child "sexting" case
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal - April 11, 2013 Article

Grand jury indicts Lufkin State Supported Living Center worker for leaving patient alone
KTRA - April 8, 2013 Article

Bills give DADS authority to close state-supported living centers
Denton Record Chronicle - March 11, 2013 Article

Comfort, better medical care will be touted at Living Center's open house
Abilene Online - March 10, 2013 Article

State-run facility in San Angelo still fails to reach compliance after 3 years of federal monitoring
February 26, 2013 - Disability Rights Texas Press Release

Richmond Facility for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Fails to Reach Compliance After 3 Years of Monitoring by Federal Government
February 25, 2013 - Disability Rights Texas Press Release

Lubbock State Supported Living Center makes gains, but has far to go
February 25, 2013 - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Article

Austin Facility for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Fails to Reach Compliance After 3 Years of Federal Monitoring
February 15, 2013 - Disability Rights Texas Press Release

Latest U.S. Department of Justice Report for Lubbock State Supported Living Center Shows Minimal Progress, Continued High Risk Conditions for Residents
February 5, 2013 - Disability Rights Texas Press Release

State living center shows progress
February 4, 2013 - Denton Record Chronicle Article

Denton State Supported Living Center Receives Non-Compliance Rating by U.S. Department of Justice in 129 out of 171 Health and Safety Provisions
January 31, 2013 - Disability Rights Texas Press Release

Former State School Employee Indicted In Fighting Incident
January 29, 2013 - Kiii tv Article

Lufkin State Supported Living Center Receives Non-Compliance Rating by Department of Justice in 135 out of 171 Health and Safety Provisions
January 24, 2013 - Disability Rights Texas Press Release

Feds: 'fight club' facility better
January 20, 2013 - The Courier Article

State Supported Living Center now acts quickly to protect residents from harm, federal report finds
January 13, 2013 - Caller.com Article

Latest Department of Justice Report for Mexia State Supported Living Center Indicates Residents Remain at High Risk for Abuse and Neglect
January 10, 2013 - Disability Rights Texas Press Release

Texas State Supported Living Center Employees Reassigned in Abuse Probe
January 6, 2013 - KWTX.com - Article

Mexia state school working on needed changes
The Mexia News - January 5, 2013 - Article

El Paso State Center reassigns 18 staff members pending abuse investigation
January 5, 2013 - El Paso Times Article

2012

US Department of Justice report finds El Paso state center lacking
Viva Colorado - December 26, 2012 Article

Latest Report for Rio Grande State Supported Living Center Indicates Minimal Compliance In All Basic Health and Safety Provisions
Disability Rights Texas - December 18, 2012 Press Release

Disabled People at High Risk for Abuse, Neglect at State Supported Living Center
KDBC, 4 Local News - November 29, 2012 Article

New Report Gives Low Marks to Abilene State Supported Living Center
BigCountryHomePage.com - November 28, 2012 Article

Total Compliance Deadline Passes in Care Provisions for Several State Supported Living Centers With None Making the Grade
Disability Rights Texas November 20, 2012 Press Release

Mexia living center being investigated in abuse case
Wacotrib.com - October 5, 2012 Article

Abuse allegations at Mexia State School
News Chanel 25 - Waco, Killeen, Temple - October 3, 2012 Article

Brief Gun Scare At Abilene State Supported Living Center
BigCountryHomePage.com - August 17, 2012 Article

Additional Funding for State Supported Living Center
KSAN News - July 24, 2012 Article

Abilene State Supported Living Center has long history, with roots as epileptic colony
reporternews - July 21, 2012 Article

Local artists redecorate drab State Supported Living Center gym
caller.com - July 14, 2012 Article  

State living centers still far from compliance
Denton Record Chronicle - August 4, 2012 Article

Meeting highlights El Paso State Center issues
El Paso Times - June 30, 2012 Article

Inquiry Sought at El Paso State Center
El Paso Times - June 29, 2012 Article

State center employee arrested
El Paso Times - June 27, 2012  Article 

Assistant Commissioner for State Supported Living Centers leaves position
El Paso Times - June 27, 2012 Article

Center still making progress
Denton Record-Chronicle - June 24, 2012 Article

State Center problems haven't hurt boss's pay
El Paso Times - June 21, 2012 Article

Deaths at El Paso State Center questioned
El Paso Times - June 12, 2012 Article
 
Father: El Paso State Center not treating son fairly
El Paso Times - June 12, 2012 Article

El Paso State Center target of inguiry
El Paso Times - May 30, 2012 Article
 
State investigating complaints at El Paso State Supported Living Center
El Paso Times - May 29, 2012 Article
 
Missteps at El Paso State Supported Living Center noted in death
El Paso Times - May 26, 2012 - Article

ABLE Act Gains Cosponsors and Momentum on Capitol Hill
National Disability Institute - May 2012 Newsletter

El Paso State Center ex-worker alleges abuse of residents
El Paso Times - May 24, 2012 - Article

Mexia SSLC Shows Little Improvement in Latest DOJ Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - May 24, 2012 - Press Release

Rio Grande SSLC Loses Significant Group in Latest Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - May 15, 2012 - Press Release

Texas economy building but health costs, regulation threaten growth, state Comptroller says 
caller.com - May 9, 2012 - Article  

New group touts Medicaid as 'indispensable' -- not fiscal villain
Dallas Morning News - May 8, 2012 - Article

Comptroller Warns East Texans "Big Red is coming"
KETK - May 2, 2012 - Article

Texas comptroller warns of increased Medicaid spending
Pegasus - May 1, 2012 - Article

Abilene SSLC Fails Latest Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - April 25, 2012 - Press Release

San Antonio SSLC Fails Fourth Round Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - April 23, 2012 - Press Release

Thousands of Texas kids with developmental problems lose aid after budget cuts
American Statesman - April 6, 2012 - Article

Corpus Christi SSLC backslides in fourth round compliance review
Disability Rights Texas - March 28, 2012 - Press Release

El Paso SSLC shows limited progress in latest compliance review
Disability Rights Texas - March 26, 2012 - Press Release

Amid problems, Austin living center sees leadership shakeup, halts admissions
AMERICAN-STATESMAN - March 19, 2012 - Article

S.A. man says he was beaten by residents at state living center
KENS5 News - March 17, 2012 - Article and Video

Austin SSLC Shows No Improvements in Third Round Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - March 7, 2012 - Press Release

San Aneglo SSLC Found Noncompliant in Third Round DOJ Review
Disability Rights Texas - March 1, 2012 - Press Release

Lufkin SSLC Backtrack in Third Round DOJ Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - February 13, 2012 - Press Release

Leaders Warn of More Budget Problems in Texs
Houston Chronicle - February 2, 2012 - Article

Richmond SSLC monitors find little progress in third round compliance review
Disability Rights Texas - January 30, 2012 - Press Release

Lubbock SSLC makes limited gains in third round compliance review
Disability Rights Texas - January 25, 2012 - Press Release

2011

Mexia SSLC backtracks in third round compliance review
Disability Rights Texas - December 21, 2011 - Press Release 

Denton state school still falling short on settlement requirements, report says
Ft. Worth Star-Telegram - December 21, 2011 - Article

State living center resident hospitalized after mistake during dental cleaning
American Statesman - November 17, 2011 Article

State centers for the disabled 'still deplorable'
The QueQue - November 9, 2011 - Article

Brenham SSLC Shows Little Improvement in Third Round Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas  - November 7, 2011 - Press Release

San Antonio SSLC Flunks Third Round Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - November 7, 2011 - Press Release

Perry Downplayed Allegations at Centers for Disabled 
Texas Tribune - October 24, 2011 - Article

Despite Reforms, Abuse Continues at Texas Institutions for Disabled
Texas Tribune October 23, 2011 - Article

Seven Staff Fired from Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center after abuse and neglect allegations
Corpus Christi Caller Times October 14, 2011 - article

Alleged victim of abuse at local state facility speaks out
News Chanel 25 - Waco, Killeen, Temple - October 12, 2012 Article

El Paso SSLC Fails Third Round Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - October 4, 2011 - Press Release  

DOJ Compliance Review Shows No Improvements at Richmond SSLC
Disability Rights Texas - August 25, 2011 - Press Release

Day 6: Some Texans Will Lose Intellectual Disability Funding 

Texas Tribune - August 6, 2011

Denton State Supported Living Center plays catch-up
Ft. Worth Star-Telegram - July 31, 2011 - Article  

Denton facility for mentally disabled hasn't fixed deficiencies
Ft. Worth Star-Telegram - July 28, 2011 - Article

Good and bad state budget news for people with disabilities 
Stateseman - July 20, 2011

Lawsuit filed against assisted living center after patients death 
The Southeast Record - July 11, 2011

Report critical of patient care at Living Center
The Lufkin Daily News - July 8, 2011 - Article

Texas Legislature Passes Budget That Cuts Billions
CBSDFW - May 28, 2011

For Clients of Perry's Advisors, a Troubling Budget 
Texas Tribune - May 25, 2011

Report: Services lacking at Harlingen center for residents with disabilities
Valley Morning Star - May 24, 2011 - Article

14 arrested protesting budget cuts for the disabled  
Austin Statesman -  May 23, 2011 

Texas plans drastic cuts to education, health care and social services 
WSWS - May 21, 2011

Report Says Abilene State Supported Living Center Out Of Compliance with State Standards
KTXS News - May 13, 2011 - Article 

Budget Cuts Jeopardize Care for Critically Ill Kids 
Texas Tribune -  May 13, 2011

Report Says Abilene State Supported Living Center Out Of Compliance with State Standards KTXS News - May 13, 2011

Abilene State Supported Living Center report dissected by disability group
Abilene Reporter News - May 12, 2011

Elderly, Disabled Fight Pay Cut to Service Providers 
Texas Tribune - May 11, 2011

San Antonio State Supported Living Center Shown to be Losing Ground in Latest Compliance Review
Disability Rights Texas - May 4, 2011 – Press Release 

Institutions for Disabled Unlikely to See Major Cuts 
Texas Tribune - May 4, 2011

Disabling Reforms at State Institutions 
Texas Observer - March 30, 2011

Guest Column: How About a "Pro-Life" Budget 
Texas Tribune - March 15, 2011

Mexia center adjusting to role as state's forensic unit
Grosbeck Journal Today - March 3, 2013 Article

Advocates Sue Gov. Perry Over State Living Centers 
Texas Tribune - January 26, 2011

Lawsuit claims 3 residents of State Support Living Center shouldn't remain there
Statesman - January 27, 2011

Ft. Worth couple with disabilities fear effect of Texas Budget Cuts 
Ft. Worth Star-Telegram - January 26, 2011

Texas Shuts Down Treatment Center for Kids 
Houston Chronicle - January 7, 2011

Homicide Ruled in 4th Death at Troubled Kid's Facility
Houston Chronicle - January 6, 2011

Lubbock State Supported Living Center employee faces felony charges for allegedly hitting client 
Avalanche Journal - January 6, 2011

2010 

Austin living center staff raises safety concern 
American-Statesman - 2010

State Sued Over Disabled-services Violations 
San Antonio Express - 2010

Mentally Disabled Get New Protection at State Living Centers 
 KENS 5 - 2010

Health, Human Services Commission announces more budget cuts
San Antonion Express News - 2010

Former State Worker Faces Felony Charges 
Avalanche Journal - 2010

Texas Flap: Plan to Increase Medicaid Payments to Centers for Disabled Angers Activists
Texas Tribune - 2010

Abuse Reported at Austin State Supported Living Center 
News 8 Austin - 2010

Problems Persist at State Center for Mentally Disabled, Monitor Finds 
The Dallas Morning News - 2010

State Says it Can Staff Faclities - First on List is Lubbock Center, Feds are Told
Houston Chronicle - 2010

Despite Reforms, abuse in state institutions remains high 
Texas Observer - 2010

U.S. Official critical of state's living center agreement, Justice Department's civil rights chief says fewer people with mental disabilities should be 'warehoused' by state
American Statesman - 2010

Disturbing findings in wake of 'fight club' 
Houston Chronicle - 2010

Report: State facility for people with disabilities lacks pshychiatrists, trained therapists Austin American Statesman - 2010     

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