Kim Cheeks - Office on Status of African-Americans News - May 24, 2019

May 24, 2019

Upcoming Events and Programs

Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force

Seeking Applications for Membership on the Olmstead Consumer Taskforce

The Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force (OCTF) is seeking individuals to apply to be a Member of the Task Force.

Applications must be received by 4:30 pm on FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019.

HOW TO APPLY:

There are two ways to apply:

An application form in Word is attached to this e-mail. You can download this document to your computer desktop, open it, fill it out, save it, and then e-mail it as an attachment to Anne Crotty, OCTF Support Staff, atanne-crotty@uiowa.edu.
You may also apply online at https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_by0lfVo4eNEXklT

ABOUT THE TASKFORCE:

Our Vision:

A Life in the Community for Everyone

The Olmstead Consumer Taskforce is a statewide advocacy group charged by Executive Order to monitor Iowa’s response to the 1999 Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision.

Our activities support the full inclusion of people with disabilities in housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, and other areas. We work with consumers and families, state agencies, providers, and others to ensure that legislation, changes in administrative rule, and other public policies and programs promote the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life in the community.

The Taskforce meets six times a year from 10am-3pm at the Pleasant Hill Public Library. All meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

For more information on the OCTF, visit our website at http://olmsteadrealchoicesia.org/.

WHAT IS “OLMSTEAD”?

The Olmstead Supreme Court Decision (1999)

In Olmstead v L.C., two women with mental disabilities brought suit against the State of Georgia. They were living in a state mental hospital even though professionals on staff had affirmed that they were capable of living in a community setting with supports. The Supreme Court found that unnecessary segregation of individuals in institutions is discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Learn more about the Court’s decision at: http://www.accessiblesociety.org/topics/ada/olmsteadoverview.htm.

The implications of the Olmstead decision for people with disabilities are monumental. States have been slowly changing their systems of long term supports and services to comply with Olmstead, by expanding home and community-based services, and shrinking the size of, or even closing, residential facilities such as nursing homes and intermediate care facilities. States are also working to promote more options for integrated employment instead of depending upon sheltered workshops, since employment services, too, must comply with Olmstead principles.

If you have questions, please contact Dawn Francis, OCTF Chair, atdawn@iowasilc.org.