FAQs

Abstract art of persons walking hand in hand. Out of Institutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What role can CILs/121s play toward implementing the decision?

Perform systems advocacy to assure the implementation of Olmstead
Provide start-up funds for people moving into the community from institutions
Provide individual support/training to people moving into the community from institutions
Provide self-advocacy training to people moving into the community from institutions
Get involved in your state's Olmstead implementation activities
Participate in assessing people who want to move into the community
Educate the general public about Olmstead
Educate the disability community about Olmstead
Identify and develop leadership in the disability community
Assure consumer involvement in Olmstead implementation
Build capacity at the local level
Assist people to gather necessary supports and/or develop necessary skills to assure healthy
and successful transition from institution to community
Assure people moving from institutions to community know about all resources in the community
Advocate for consumer-directed services at a state and federal level
Assist people moving from institutions to community to find accessible housing
Educate legislators re: the positive effects of the Olmstead decision on state Medicaid budgets

What role can VR/Blind Services play toward implementing the decision?

Serve people with the most significant disabilities
Get involved in your state's Olmstead implementation activities
Participate in assessing people who want to move into the community
Use Title VII Part B funds to assist people with transition
Develop non-traditional job opportunities
Expect funded CRPs to participate in implementation of the Olmstead decision
Bring Olmstead to the attention of CSAVR/NORP and NCSAB
Collaborate with the Medicaid office to assure the Ticket is working

What role can SILCs play toward implementing the decision?

Bring all groups together to assure collaboration toward implementing the decision
Get involved in your state's Olmstead implementation activities
Participate in assessing people who want to move into the community
Assure a portion of state independent living funds are designated as start-up dollars to assist people to move into the community
Perform systems advocacy to assure the implementation of Olmstead
Educate the disability community about Olmstead
Identify and develop leadership in the disability community
Assure consumer involvement in Olmstead implementation
Designate the stimulation and development of providers as part of the state plan
Assure the State Independent Living Plan reflects the philosophy behind the Olmstead decision
Educate legislators re: the positive effects of the Olmstead decision on state Medicaid budgets

What role can PAIRs play toward implementing the decision?

Get involved in your state's Olmstead implementation activities
Assure that consumers understand the Olmstead decision
File lawsuits, when necessary, to force Olmstead compliance
Provide training explaining the Olmstead decision and what it can mean to communities
Educate legislators re: the positive effects of the Olmstead decision on state Medicaid budgets

What role can CAPs play toward implementing the decision?

Get involved in your state's Olmstead implementation activities
Assure that individual consumers understand the effects the Olmstead decision can have on their services and supports
Provide training explaining the Olmstead decision and what it can mean to communities
Provide training to other RSA funded programs on the implications of the Olmstead decision

What role can CRPs play toward implementing the decision?

Provide all services using the philosophy and guidance behind the Olmstead decision
Get involved in your state’s Olmstead implementation activities
Assure consumers' voices are heard and listened to as community services are provided
Develop a method of providing services while people are in the transition phases
Develop programs that will meet the needs of people in rural areas or transitioning to rural areas from institutions

What are the incentives for RSA funded programs to become involved in implementing the Olmstead decision?

Meeting the challenge set forth in the Olmstead decision
Being part of the paradigm shift toward full community participation of people with disabilities
Taking part in shifting the dollars from institutional services to community services
Participating in the process of eliminating the institutional bias that currently exists
Getting involved in new types of service delivery which can increase funding
Collaborating with new partners (Medicaid, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Social Security Administration, etc.)
Working toward a method that will increase consumer involvement in the community, while better utilizing the taxpayer's dollar
Raise the visibility and importance of your organization at the local, state and national level
Seizing opportunities to participate in educating the private sector to the true assets of all people in communities, including people with disabilities
Promote your agency through good/positive PR
It is the Wave of the Future ---- Get on NOW!

What are some of the Resources I can use to help me participate in the implementation of the Olmstead decision?

This Website and other Websites (Link here for Online Resources.)
Medicaid is beginning to implement regulations that promote community services
The Olmstead coalitions that are meeting in almost every state
Housing resources such as Fannie Mae and Home of Your Own projects
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Real Choice Systems Change grants
Expertise of other organizations such as the DD directors organization, AARPs, Arcs, ILRU, National Council of State Legislators, etc.
Models of current successful programs that reflect the spirit of the Olmstead decision

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