Public Policy

New Freedom Initiative – NFI


White House Disability Agenda early in the first term of President George W. Bush:

  • Research and access to AT
  • Universally designed technology
  • Increased funding for IDEA
  • Early reading programs
  • New transportation initiatives
  • Support for Telework
  • Expand homeownership
  • TA to small businesses for ADA
  • ADA compliance for faith based organizations
  • Voter accessibility
  • National Commission on Mental Health
  • Olmstead compliance

What is Olmstead?

Supreme Court Decision: Discrimination under the ADA includes segregation, isolation, and unnecessary institutionalization.

Integration: The integrated setting requirement applies if:

  • Staff determines it is appropriate;
  • Consumer does not oppose community placement; and
  • It can be reasonably accommodated in state system

Compliance:

A state can establish compliance by creating:
  • Comprehensive working plan, and
  • Reasonably paced waiting list.

State Activities:

  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Assessment
  • Waiver expansions
  • Transition into community
  • Workforce
  • Data collection and education and outreach

You can download A Progress Report on Fulfilling America’s Promise to Americans with Disabilities by clicking on the following link:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/toc.html

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