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:

