Disabled to Receive Community Alternatives to Institutionalization as Olmstead Compliance Complaint Filed by LSC-Funded Organizations and Others Is Settled
Legal Services E-lert
Date of E-Lert – 07/11/08
Bibliographic Info:
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Date: 7/2/08
The
U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services ("HHS") announces: "More than 2,300 individuals with
disabilities currently institutionalized in Georgia's eight public psychiatric
hospitals and mental retardation facilities will have the opportunity to live
in their communities with appropriate supports tailored to meet their
individualized needs as a result of a settlement agreement between the state of
Georgia and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Under the settlement, signed Tuesday [July 1,
2008], Georgia also will involve consumers and advocates in planning how best
to provide adequate community services to meet the needs of all Georgians with
disabilities who are either living in institutions or at risk of
institutionalization without community supports . . . . By enhancing community alternatives to
institutionalization under the settlement, Georgia will promote individuals'
rights under the United States Supreme Court's 1999 ruling in Olmstead v. L.C.
that the unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities
constitutes discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act . . .
. The agreement settles statewide
complaints filed with OCR by the Georgia Advocacy Office, [LSC-funded] Atlanta
Legal Aid Society, [LSC-funded] Georgia Legal Services Program, and the
Disability Law and Policy Center of Georgia."
Tags: Disability, Health, Legal Services Activities and Achievements
