ODDC- Fast Facts The Olmstead Initiative

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Fast Facts

The OLMSTEAD INITIATIVE

What is Olmstead?

On June 22, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires States to provide community-based treatment for people with disabilities if:

They want to live in the community;
Their doctors and other professionals agree: and
The state can reasonably accommodate their disabilities in the community.

Olmstead requires the states to provide their services, programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities.

Why does Ohio need an Olmstead Initiative?

People with disabilities and elders clearly have said that they want the services and supports that will enable them to lead independent and productive lives in the community and to avoid institutionalization.

However, due to federal requirements and historic state financing and program design, more than 70% of the funding for Medicaid long-term care, services, and supports still is used for institutional care.

Who would benefit from making Olmstead happen in Ohio?

People with disabilities and elders who want to live in their homes in the community would benefit from the implementation of Olmstead in Ohio. Helping people live in the community will require residential options (accessible housing), personal assistance services, vocational supports (jobs), accessible transportation, and other supports needed for individuals to be meaningful participants in community life.

What can Ohio do to further the Olmstead Decision in Ohio?

Tell policymakers your story-where you want to live and what it would take for you to be an independent and productive member of your community.

Ask policymakers to reduce the bias that favors institutional funding, and to make a greater share of the funding available to support people where they want to live.

Action to date

People with disabilities and elders have created an Ohio Olmstead Task Force to advocate for the opportunity to live with dignity in settings they prefer.

In the Ohio Access Report, Governor Taft’s Administration has expressed an intent to realign public resources in response to what consumers want.

DD Council supports the Olmstead Initiative in Ohio because it enables people with disabilities to live in their communities.

For more information, contact:
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
8 E. Long St., Suite 1200
Columbus, OH 43215
(800) 766-7426
(614) 466-5205
(614) 644-5530 tty
www.ohio.gov/ohioddc

3/6/03