Your Voice Matters: Help Shape New York’s Updated Olmstead Plan

New York State is updating its Olmstead Plan, and you can shape how the state protects and expands the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities.

Written comments are being accepted until September 1st.

Email your input to: olmsteadplanny@exec.ny.gov

Summary:

·         The Olmstead Plan is rooted in the Olmstead v. L.C. (1999) Supreme Court decision that states that keeping people with disabilities in institutions when they can live in the community violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

·         The Olmstead Mandate has expanded to address developmental centers, care homes, people at risk of institutionalization, and segregated employment programs.

New York’s original Olmstead Implementation Plan focused on housing, employment, transportation, and community engagement.

You can read it here: https://www.ny.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Olmstead_Final_Report_2013.pdf

Change Occurs When We Demand It. Send an email focused on one or more topics:

1. Access to Services and Supports

- What services do you rely on to live in your community?

- What supports would improve your life if they were more accessible?

2. Rights Protection and System Accountability

- Have you felt your rights were eroded?

- What would help you feel confident your rights are protected?

3. Community Integration and Choice

- How inclusive and integrated is your community?

- What would make it easier for people to live in the communities of their choice?

Why This Matters

The Olmstead decision changed disability rights by recognizing that unnecessary institutionalization is a form of discrimination. As society evolves, we want to ensure  the updated plan will expand access to services, community inclusion, and protection of rights for years to come.

Every voice counts—and yours could help make New York a more inclusive, equitable place to live.