The Office of Disability Rights (ODR) is honored to introduce the District’s proposed Olmstead Community Integration Plan, DC—One Community for All, covering calendar years 2021-2024.  The new proposed Plan is based on the 1999 mandate in the seminal Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court case and built on the progress made in the 2017-2020 Plan.[¹]  In 2007, the Disability Rights Protection Act[²] established ODR as the District’s American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance office.  ODR actively supports and works to advance the protections available under the ADA and other laws impacting District residents with disabilities as they relate to employment, community living, housing, transportation, emergency preparedness, and other government programs and services.

ODR is now asking the community to contribute to this monumental plan, pursuant to D.C. Code §§ 2–551 et seq.

The creation and development of the proposed 2021-2024 Olmstead Community Integration Plan are collaborative efforts with multiple partnerships involving District residents with disabilities, their family members, disability organizations, community advocates, and government agencies.  The Plan identifies and focuses on three main priorities:

1. Housing
2. Health Care and Wellness Support
3. Employment

How You Can Make Your Voice Heard

1. Comment on the draft plan

ODR welcomes public comments on the District’s Olmstead Community Integration Plan, DC—One Community for All.  Public comments can be submitted to [email protected] and will be accepted through June 4, 2021.  The 2021-2024 Olmstead Community Integration Plan can be accessed and reviewed in its entirety by visiting ODR’s Olmstead Webpage.[³]

“Over 15 different government entities provided their time and contributions to the development of this updated Plan, including new partnering agencies from the District’s Department of Transportation, Public Libraries, Department for Hire Vehicles, and the Age-Friendly Task Force,” ODR Director Mathew McCollough expresses.  “The 2021-2024 Olmstead Plan represents the District’s commitment in supporting its residents with disabilities to maintain their independence and quality of life of their choosing while utilizing a wide range of government services and programs designed to meet their needs in the community.”

2. Attend the Olmstead Plan Townhall Meeting

ODR is holding a virtual Community Townhall Meeting and Listening Session on May 26, 2021 between 3 and 5 pm.  This event is designed to gather more comments and feedback directly from District residents, families, community advocates, and other leaders. Please register at: http://olmstead-town-hall.eventbrite.com/

For questions or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact Abby Volin at 202-727-0287 or [email protected]