More than 50 disability rights activists were arrested Monday while protesting outside the White House.

Those detained were among about 200 advocates from across the country who are in Washington this week with the disability rights group ADAPT.

The demonstrators were at the White House calling on President Barack Obama to address the “critical civil rights of persons with disabilities” ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this summer.

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Specifically, ADAPT wants the president to issue an executive order implementing steps to end institutionalization of people with disabilities.

What’s more, the activists would like the administration to support legislation enhancing community-based living options.

“I’d rather go to jail than DIE in a nursing home,” Jensen Caraballo of Rochester, N.Y. wrote on Twitter after being detained by police.

The 54 arrested Monday were issued citations for blocking passage, according to Sgt. Lelani Woods with the U.S. Park Police. They were all released but each citation carries a $50 fine.

White House officials did not specifically address the demonstrators’ demands, but told Disability Scoop that “President Obama works hard every day to ensure the fullest inclusion of all Americans, especially those with disabilities.”

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