Conversations in Conflict Studies presents: Andrew McQuaide

"How the Smallest State Will Lead the Nation: Expanding Opportunities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," with Andrew McQuaide, State Coordinator of the DOJ Interim Settlement Agreement, Rhode Island. In the United States, approximately 450,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities spend their days in segregated sheltered workshops or in segregated day programs. On April 8, 2014, the United States and the State of Rhode Island entered into the nation’s first statewide settlement agreement that addresses the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive employment and daytime services in the community. Over twenty years ago, the State of Rhode Island was one of the first states to embrace community inclusion and reject the segregation of institutional residential care. Today, the State is embarking on an incredible journey to become a national model for integrated services, upholding the ideals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A recent Maxwell MPA graduate, Andrew McQuaide will discuss his work with the State of Rhode Island fostering collaborative and participatory governance and expanding opportunity to community-based, integrated employment and day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sponsored by PARCC - Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration.