A judge has ordered the state to accept new applications for a closed home-care services program designed to keep disabled people out of nursing homes.
In a decision made public Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Harold Baker in Danville issued a preliminary injunction instructing the state Department of Rehabilitation Services and the state Department of Public Aid to reopen the program, which serves about 13,000 disabled state residents. It was closed in February because of the state`s ongoing budget problems.
Melissa Skilbeck, a spokeswoman for the Department of Rehabilitation Services, declined to comment, saying lawyers for the state were still reviewing Baker`s order late Tuesday. It was unclear where the state would find extra money to fund any expansion of the program.
Karen Gerbig, a spokeswoman for Access Living, a disabled people`s rights group in Chicago, called Baker`s ruling ”a great victory. (Gov. Jim) Edgar tried to balance his budget on the backs of the disabled, and the courts are saying, `Sorry, you have to find another place.` ”
