Iowa Senator Tom Harkin will return to Iowa for the Fourth of July holiday and will also hold a subcommittee hearing Sunday during the Special Olympics National Games. Harkin says the hearing will give an up-to-date status report on people with intellectual disabilities. He says they’ll also explore “real world” solutions to the problems those with the disabilities face.
Harkin says the World Health Organization estimates this is the largest disabled group on the planet. Harkin says the group is also the most underserved, although he says that’s changing. He says more adults with intellectual disabilities are receiving appropriate educational services and opportunities and are living independently and working.
Harkin says there is still a long way to go. Harkin says there are still many barriers to overcome. Harkin says its “an appalling fact that some 90 percent of adults with intellectual disabilities are not employed. They want jobs, but employers are often reluctant to hire them.” Harkin says he’s also concerned that many of the intellectually disabled do not have access to health care. Harkin’s hearing will be Sunday at 1 p.m. in Ames.