This decision will result in a paradigm shift of how we provide long term care in the United States. The Court determined that isolating a person with a disability in an institution constitutes discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, if the individual chooses to and is assessed to be capable of living in their community. States are expected to reasonably build their infrastructure of community support services in order to ensure that lack of services is not a barrier for people seeking full integration into their community. The Governor s Council has been working with people with disabilities, advocates, service providers, state agencies, the DHHS Office for Civil Rights, legislators, and other policy makers to judiciously fulfill the promise offered by the Olmstead Decision. The Council is proud to contribute toward achieving this noble mission.
Planning is critical to successfully reaching goals.
The Council is currently revising its strategic plan and our goals for 2001. Since my appointment in January, I have been meeting with groups throughout the state to learn about the needs and concerns of Missourians with disabilities. As we continue this listening process, the Council would like to hear from groups who serve people with disabilities so that we may develop a comprehensive and effective strategic plan that addresses the concerns of our constituents. We appreciate your essential assistance with our planning process. Your help will enable us to accomplish even greater things for Missourians with disabilities in the future.