DBHDD Issues White Paper

White Paper on Housing for People with Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health Needs by DBHDD

Executive Summary of DBHDD White Paper

Justice Department and Texas Reach Interim Olmstead Settlement

August 19, 2013 Press Release Texas and Justice Department Olmstead Settlement

PBS ADA/Olmstead Report from August 7th

PBS NewsHour Aug. 7, 2013 Limited Funds, Lingering Bias Has Delayed States' ADA Compliance

Judge Markle's Fantastic Article on Olmstead from the Atlanta Business Chronicle April 19, 2013

A landmark case we should celebrate

Judge Todd Markle

Next year marks the 15th anniversary of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court opinion on civil rights. The Olmstead decision is often compared to Brown v. Board of Education in its significance yet it remains largely unknown to the public, its mandate perhaps “more honored in the breach than the observance.”

Odds are, most of us will be touched by the reach of Olmstead in the years ahead so its requirements are worth note. Its proscriptions against discrimination of persons with disabilities are worth celebrating.

The story of Olmstead dates back to 1990 when the senior President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. In announcing that it was time for “the shameful walls of exclusion” to come tumbling down, President Bush observed that “every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence and freedom.”

Just as with implementation of Brown, however, the thick walls of discrimination against the disabled were slow to fall.

The Olmstead case itself originated in the Atlanta courtroom of Judge Marvin Shoob as an effort to enforce the ADA’s integration mandate requiring provision of government services in the most integrated setting consistent with individual need. The Atlanta Legal Aid Society brought the suit on behalf of two Georgia women who were being unlawfully segregated when they were confined to institutions in order to receive medical services. The case ultimately reached the highest court in the land.

In its 1999 decision, the Olmstead Court held that individuals with disabilities have a right to receive services in their homes and communities. The Court aptly noted Congress’ concern when it passed the ADA that segregation of individuals with disabilities is a serious and pervasive form of discrimination. After Olmstead, there can be no doubt that men and women who currently live in nursing homes and institutions have the right to return to their homes and communities. Many have done so while others have avoided institutionalization altogether.

Nevertheless, implementation of the Olmstead mandate around the country has been slow and uneven. Citing the lack of financial resources, some states have resisted voluntary compliance with the Olmstead directives. Others have bowed to political pressure from special interests and continued to invest in outdated and obsolete institutions. To meet its obligations, Georgia has a full-time Olmstead coordinator who is charged with the responsibility of implementing Georgia’s obligations arising from the decision.

Although change is often difficult and no doubt involves front-loaded expense to cash-strapped state governments, full compliance with Olmstead will ultimately prove cost-effective. Studies demonstrate what should otherwise be obvious: The cost of community care is a fraction as that of institutional treatment. Moreover, the outcomes from community care are far better than traditional segregation through institutionalization. It is worth noting that many of the evidence-based research findings that helped drive the Criminal Justice Reform Council’s recommendations are equally relevant on the issue of treatment and care of the disabled. Regardless, Olmstead is the law of the land and compliance is not optional.

As the Olmstead anniversary approaches, we should celebrate the end of yet another distasteful chapter of discrimination in our collective history. Under Olmstead, each of us now has a right to receive disability services in our homes and communities rather than in dehumanizing institutions. Olmstead has given new life to thousands of Americans with disabilities. As Brown brought the end of segregated public education, Olmstead brought the end of segregated disability services.

Future generations undoubtedly will ask, what took so long?

Markle is a judge on the Superior Court of Fulton County and will be the judge of the new Fulton Veterans Court. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he served as executive counsel to Gov. Nathan Deal. Judge Markle chaired the Criminal Justice Reform Council in 2011 and remains a member by the designation of Gov. Deal.

Landmark Olmstead Settlement in New York!

Landmark Settlement for New York City Adult Home Residents

Scattered-Site Housing, Community Services Enable Independence, Integration

NEW YORK—July 23, 2013—Lawyers for adult home residents, together with the U.S. Department of Justice, reached a landmark settlement with New York State. The settlement ensures that thousands of residents of 23 large “adult homes”—board and care homes serving primarily people with mental illnesses—will have the opportunity to live in their own homes with the services they need to succeed and be participants in their communities.

Click here to read the rest from Bazelon's press release

Senate Issues Report On Olmstead and Long Term Community Supports

Senate Olmstead Report

Disability Scoop story on Senate Olmstead Report

Governor Appoints Special Counsel on Criminal Justice Reform

Click for Governor's Executive Order to See Who Was Appointed

Long Road Home Olmstead Celebration -- Rome, Georgia

COME HAVE LUNCH AND CELEBRATE THE 14^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLMSTEAD DECISION

NWGA Center for Independent Living will be hosting an Olmstead Anniversary Celebration at the Rome Floyd County Library located at 205 Riverside Parkway NE, Rome, Georgia 30161 in the Oostanaula and Etowah rooms from 11AM to 1PM on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.  Everyone is welcome!  Lunch will be served.  Please RSVP to NWGA CIL at 706-314-0008  by Monday, June 17 at noon in order to have an accurate count for lunch.

Olmstead is the 1999 Supreme Court Decision that enables people of all ages with disabilities to move out of nursing homes and institutions and return home.  As we celebrate the 14^th Anniversary of this landmark disability rights decision, we still have a long way to go.  Join us so you can learn what you can do, to network with others, and to have some fun too!

NWGA Center for Independent Living is a non-residential, community-based nonprofit run by people with disabilities to empower anyone with a disability of any age to become more independent.

HUD Issues New Guidance on Olmstead Compliance

Significant Transitions Affect Mental Health Services in Georgia

Big Change in Psychiatric Hospitals by Andy Miller Interview with Commissioner Frank Berry, May 28, 2013, Georgia Health News

DCH Commissioner Cook to be Replaced by Former DCH Commissioner (and current DHS Commissioner) Clyde Reese -- Article By Andy Miller Georgia Health News May 30, 2013

NAMI Report on Potential Impact of Affordable Care Act on Insurance for Individuals With Mental Illness

DOJ Settlement Discussed at Carter Center Georgia Mental Health Forum

DOJ Shows Results, Challenges Remain, Georgia Health News, May 20, 2013, Andy Miller

Sam Bagenstos writes about important new DOJ Brief for Olmstead

Important Recent Department of Justice Olmstead Brief

via Disability Law by Samuel Bagenstos on 4/25/13

Andy Miller Article on Medicaid Expansion

Georgia Hospital Officials Muted on Medicaid Expansion, Georgia Health News, Andy Miller

Clearinghouse Collection of Olmstead Cases

The University of Michigan Law School Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse has Published This Collection of Summaries of Olmstead Cases

Article on Work Enabling Man with Autism to Become More Independent

The barista One step at a time, Omar Troy establishes his independence, starting with his job at Cafe Blends, where all the baristas are on the autism spectrum, AJC, by Helen Oliviero, April 26, 2013

Great Article on Olmstead from Fulton Superior Court Judge Todd Markle in Atlanta Business Chronicle

A Landmark Case We Should Celebrate by Judge Todd Markle

I am Olmstead

In 2014, Olmstead will have its 15th anniversary.  To celebrate, the Atlanta Legal Aid Society's Disability Integration Project will be debuting http://www.IamOlmstead.org/

We have been working with Leadership Atlanta to create a public service announcement about Olmstead.  Here is the first draft.  I am Olmstead Public Service Announcement First Draft We are still working on it, but it is already fantastic.  Please check it out.

Inside Bush v. Gore

This is a quick side note from the regular posts on this blog because my (Talley's) Dad is coming out with a book.  Please check it out.  Inside Bush v. Gore by Charley Wells  I am very excited about it.

DBHDD POSTS INFORMATION ON CRAIG CLOSURE

DBHDD FAQ on Craig Center Closure

Blogs and Websites for Disability Advocates and People with Disabilities

Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

Disability News

Laura Wells Atlanta Special Needs Consulting Blog

Peer Support and Wellness Centers of Georgia

Parent to Parent of Georgia

Georgia Health News: Disabilities

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Blog

Mental Health America of Georgia

NAMI Georgia

Georgia Medicaid News

Audit Targets Overspending at Community Health, Andy Miller, Georgia Health News, February 14, 2013

Study Says Medicaid Expansion Would Enrich State, Andy Miller, Georgia Health News February 13, 2013

Deal Still Opposes Medicaid Expansion, Andy Miller, Georgia Health News, February 6, 2013

Synopsis of Article: Study of Medicaid Expansion in Georgia, Carrie Teegardin and Misty Williams, AJC, February 13, 2013

Flood of Funds Await OK in Georgia (for Medicaid Expansion), by Carrie Teegardin and Misty Williams, AJC, August 12, 2012

SAVE THE DATES

Mental Health Day at the Capitol 

Please join us at Mental Health Day at the Capitol on February 19th. To sign up, contact the Georgia Parent Support Network at 404 758-4500 and ask for Rheba Smith. 

 “Cover Georgia Day” on Tuesday, February 19th from 9AM to 1PM. 

Cover Georgia is a coalition of consumer and patient advocates, providers, and industry stakeholders who have come together around a common goal: covering Georgia’s uninsured by expanding Medicaid.

 Starts at 9am at Central Presbyterian Church (201 Washington Street, across from the State Capitol) 

 Don’t miss out on this important event–please join us and make a difference. Help us Cover Georgia.  There is no cost to attend but please RSVP so we have the necessary materials on hand.

To learn more about Cover Georgia and to join the coalition efforts, go to www.coverga.org.

Suicide Prevention Day is February 21, 2013. Contact Sheri McGuinness at sherimcguinness@gmail.com for more information. 

Disability Day at the Capitol February 21, 2013 (register by February 15th)

Disability Day is an annual rally sponsored by Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities on the steps of the State Capitol each year to promote access, opportunity and meaningful community living for Georgians with disabilities and their families. Advocates from across the State, elected officials, State legislators and Georgia citizens with and without disabilities gather together to make their voices heard.

Join us for the 15th Annual Disability Day on February 21, 2013 on the Capitol steps! This year's theme, "What's Your Connection?," is also the US Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy's (ODEP) national campaign that emphasizes a disability as a universal link that each of us have in common and encourages inclusion in all aspects of life. ODEP recently launched "What's Your Connection?" to invite people nationwide to participate in the campaign by submitting a captioned photograph or video that answers the question "What's your connection to disability?"

Join us at Disability Day to find out how to participate in "What's Your Connection?" or visithttps://www.disability.gov/home/newsroom/what%27s_your_connection

Register for the 15th Annual Disability Day before February 15, 2013

http://www.ciclt.net/sn/events/e_signup.aspx?ClientCode=gcdd&E_ID=500045&RegType=ATT

Opinion Piece on Mental Illness and Mass Shootings

DON'T MAKE SCAPEGOATS OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS by Ellyn Jeager, January 26, 2013, Georgia Health News

Georgia NPR Reports Peer Support and DOJ Settlement

Georgia Mental Health System Improving But More Work Needed by Michelle Wirth, WABE, February 7, 2013

Center Focuses on Mental Health Recovery Through Peer Support, Michelle Wirth, WABE, February 7, 2013

MUST WATCH OLMSTEAD VIDEO FROM ILLINOIS

CLICK HERE to see powerful video of how Olmstead litigation is transforming Illinois for people with disabilities.

AJC Pictures from Central State as "Grim History" comes to a close

AJC "Grim History Draws to a Close" Pictures from Central State Hospital

Tragic Story of Olmstead Not Working for One Young Man

Why A Young Man Died in a Nursing Home a State Away from His Mom, NPR Blog, Joseph Shapiro, January 16, 2013

Georgia Medicaid Expansion and Upcoming Legislative Session Articles

Medicaid Expansion, A Danger or a Blessing? Andy Miller, January 10, 2013, Georgia Health News

Deal Speech Shows Healthcare Top Priority, Andy Miller, January 16, 2013, Georgia Health News

Deal Again Says Georgia Can't Afford Medicaid Expansion, Creative Loafing, January 16, 2013, Thomas Wheatley

Deal to Propose Bed Tax Fix on Session's First Day, AJC, January 14, 2013, Aaron Sheinen Gould


Georgia Facing Health Care Fiscal Cliff if it Refuses Medicaid Expansion, Saporta Blog, January 13, 2013

Arizona Governor opts for Federal Medicaid Expansion, AP, January 14, 2013, Bob Christie

In Georgia, a Blueprint for Battling Obamacare, The New Republic, Jonathan Cohn