| Olmstead Planning |
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As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Olmstead v. Zimring, states across the nation are engaged in evaluating the programs and services they provide to enable their older adults and citizens with disabilities to live in their respective communities rather than in institutions. The Olmstead decision clarified that states are required to provide services and treatment in the least restrictive setting appropriate to the needs of such persons. As we look down the road toward the aging of the ‘baby boomers’ and the policy mandates of the Olmstead decision, community-based programs that allow seniors to live independently for as long as possible have never been more important. The most effective programs will be community-based, focused on the client's needs rather than categorical funding mandates, administered through an agency that is nimble and business-oriented, and well-coordinated so as to maximize limited state and federal funding. This is good policy for the State, good policy for counties, good policy for cities, and, most importantly, it is good policy for seniors. Moreover, it is consistent with President Bush's policy on Olmstead implementation set forth in his June 18, 2001, Executive Order, in that this policy will "help ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to live close to their families and friends, to live more independently, to engage in productive employment, and to participate in community life." The State of California has developed a draft California Olmstead Plan, which can be viewed at www.chhs.ca.gov/ olmstead.html. An action plan to begin implementation of the California Olmstead Plan will be debated at the 6th Annual Coordinated Leadership Conference on April 23 – 25, 2003, at the Hyatt Regency in Garden Grove. Issue sessions will focus on transportation, housing, integrating medical and social systems, etc. We hope you can join us and share your perspectives about how to best integrate programs for older adults and persons with disabilities. For more information about the Coordinated Leadership Conference, please call (916) 443-2800 or visit the C4A website at www.c4aging.org. |
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