In 1999, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Olmstead v. L.C. indicating states could not legally require people with disabilities to remain institutionalized in order to receive health care services. The Court ruled that this unjustified isolation is discrimination based on disability. Following that ruling, each state must address the issue of assuring home and community-based care for people with disabilities.
The District of Columbia Office of Disability Rights (ODR) is responsible for the development of the District's Olmstead Plan and is in the process of working with ten (10) government agencies and a variety of community stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to community based services and supports. DC: One Community for All – A Community Integration Initiative embraces the following guiding principles for people with disabilities:
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The right to live in the most integrated community setting appropriate to the needs of people with disabilities;
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The right of people to leave institutions and receive home and community-based services;
An individual, client directed support plan written and updated regularly; -
Access to, and purchase of, self-directed care providers and selection of community supports;
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Identification, assessment and prioritization of the need for services from the spectrum of people with disabilities presently residing in institutions;
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Training for consumers, families, advocates, community support networks and other identified stakeholders.
ODR sincerely appreciates comments and feedback received from the community at any time. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback about the Community Integration Initiative and how it relates to the District of Columbia, please contact ODR at (202) 724-5055.
- DC: One Community for All - The Olmstead Community Integration Initiative
- DC: One Community for All [PDF]
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