Synopsis

From one of the nation’s most dedicated advocates for those with disabilities, an exposé of the insidious takeover of disability supports by private equity firms and a clarion call for urgent systemic change in a broken industry that has mistreated millions. Since ancient times, people with disabilities have been ridiculed, ignored, and even tortured—and while this problem has plagued society for far too long, the media has largely turned a blind eye to it. Silent No Longer is the story of Robert Stack’s forty-year career in the disability industry, revealing the horrible neglect that persists today and asking why tens of thousands of people are still unnecessarily incarcerated in institutions that fail them. Stack is a veteran of the industry and the founder and CEO of Community Options—one of the largest non-profit organizations supporting persons with disabilities today—and offers a firsthand account of the neglect and abuse he has witnessed in his decades of advocacy. In this eye-opening dive into the disability industry, Stack pulls back the curtain on the systemic mistreatment that has plagued the disability community for far too long: Exposing the disturbing rise of private equity firms investing in facilities that prioritize profits over care Highlighting the tactics used to make substandard institutions appear high-quality Revealing the stark disparities in funding and care across the United States With over 7 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in America, and some 80 million family members who love and care for them, Silent No Longer is a crucial resource for industry professionals and policymakers alike—and a demand that we restore dignity to those most vulnerable members of our society.

About The Author

Robert Stack has been a national leader in enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is a pioneer in promoting community-based housing and workforce training, advocating against outdated institutional practices. Starting as a young civil servant in 1980, Stack led efforts to close large institutions and transition individuals to community settings, long before the ADA and Olmstead decision formalized these changes. In 1989, he founded Community Options to provide dignified living and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, which now serves over 5,000 individuals across 12 states. As president and CEO, Stack has continuously advocated for disability rights on national and international stages, addressing issues such as the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on institutionalized individuals and engaging with key government bodies to drive reform. Recently, he was appointed trustee of the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability.