Issues & Public Policy
Have you ever been at the table and assisted with
the development of a policy, a practice or even a procedure?
It sends a sense of pride and community ownership.
How about the flip side? It doesn’t feel very
positive when your voice is excluded from issues that
may affect your life. Thus, the saying in the disability
community: "Nothing about us, without us!"
This page is dedicated to the issues and people who
affect those policies, practices, and procedures.
In addition, we will be posting information about "hot
issues" that affect policy at the federal, state
and local level. If you have issues that should be
a part of this section, or would appreciate more information
in this section on specific topics and/or policymakers,
please contact us.
Remember 2008 is an election year. Most disability
programs depend on federal and state government funding.
If you would like your elected officials to hear your
opinions on disability policy and the rights of individuals
with disabilities, tell them by voting in the upcoming
elections. Election dates for 2008 are:
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February 19, 2008 |
Presidential Preference Primary and Spring Primary
for Judicial Offices |
| • |
April 1, 2008 |
Spring Election for Judicial Offices |
| • |
September 9, 2008 |
Partisan Primary |
| • |
November 4, 2008 |
General Election |
If you are over 18 and not currently serving a sentence
for a crime and no court has removed your right to
vote, then you can register to vote.
The Olmstead Decision
In 1999, the United States Supreme Court issued a
decision in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999),
in which the court concluded that States are required
by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to place
persons with disabilities in community settings rather
than in institutions when:
- the State's treatment professionals have determined
that community placement is appropriate;
- the individual
does not object to community placement; and
- the placement
can be reasonably accommodated, taking into account
the resources available to the State and the needs
of others with disabilities.
The Supreme Court also gave the states general guidance
on how to demonstrate compliance with the ADA. For
example, compliance may be shown if a state can demonstrate
that it has a "comprehensive, effectively working
plan for placing qualified persons with...disabilities
in less restrictive settings, and a waiting list that
move[s] at a reasonable pace."
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