LINCOLN- Federal attorneys are set to visit Nebraska to look into complaints that people with severe mental illnesses struggle to get the services they need to live and work in their communities. The visit comes as part of an ongoing probe by the U.S. Department of Justice, said Dianne DeLair, the legal services director for Disability Rights Nebraska.

According to DeLair the DOJ has been investigating whether Nebraska is complying with federal laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, which require that people with disabilities be served in the most integrative manner. During their trip, a team of federal attorneys will hold town halls in Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney and Scottsbluff to hear from people who have had experiences with the state's mental health system.

"This is a fact-finding event," said DeLair, "They are trying to get a sense of gaps in services." Previous visits to Nebraska have featured federal attorneys going into assisted living facilities and other facilities where people with severe mental illness often end up. DeLair described these facilities as "mini-institutions" where residents are isolated from the community and do not receive the help they need to recover.

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