Minnesota's commitment to providing more choices for people with disabilities

State leaders invite public to weigh in on disability services during feedback session June 27

All those with ideas on how to improve disability services in the region are encouraged to let their voices be heard on Tuesday, June 27. That's when disability leaders from the State of Minnesota will be listening during a community engagement feedback session at the Blandin Foundation from 2-4 p.m.

This session is step in developing a vision for Minnesota's Olmstead Plan. The intent of the plan is to ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities have opportunities for lives of integration and inclusion. It stems from a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision called "Olmstead v. L.C.," which arose from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the ADA, Congress recognized in 1990 that "historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate individuals with disabilities, and, despite some improvements, such forms of discrimination against individuals with disabilities continue to be a serious and pervasive social problem."

Recognizing that the Olmstead Decision is a landmark product of a movement to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities, Governor Mark Dayton issued an Executive Order to form an Olmstead Subcabinet charged with developing and implementing an Olmstead Plan. People included in the Olmstead Subcabinet include commissioners from eight state agencies involved in human services, housing, employment and economic development, transportation, corrections, health, human rights, education, mental health and developmental disabilities.

On Tuesday, several of these leaders will gather for an interactive panel discussion via video-conference. They are hoping to hear from people with disabilities and providers on how integration and choice matters.

"It is important for all people to have a voice, and that their voice be heard," says Audrey Moen, Housing Manager with Northland Counseling Center. "Access to services are to be equal to all, not just some. In understanding what Fidelity standards are, to me it really means that all services are equal to all people, everyone having the right and freedom to be equal, not set apart, not different."

"Our office works to bridge the gap between state agencies and the mental health and disability communities throughout the state, so that people with disabilities and lived experiences of mental illness are able to influence decisions that directly affect their lives," explained Melody Johnson, communications specialist with the Olmstead Implementation Office.

Because this plan is big and change is hard, the subcabinet is focusing on priority items, identifying key community champions, collaborating for common cause and articulating compelling and motivating reasons for change.

"The Olmstead plan has a clear vision: Minnesota will be a place where people with disabilities are living, learning, working and enjoying life in the most integrated setting," added Moen.

The cornerstone of Minnesota's Olmstead Plan is Person-Centered Planning. This approach operates under the principle that government and service providers begin by listening to individuals about what is important to them in creating or maintaining a personally-valued, community life. Planning of supports and services is not driven or limited by professional opinion or available service options but focused on the person's preferences and whole life context.

Specific integration goals are being identified for various aspects of life including employment, housing, education, transportation, health care, transition services and community engagement.

According to Moen, the discussion on Tuesday will allow state leadership to hear from rural voices in what she hopes will encourage other rural communities throughout the state to become involved.

"We are really excited to be building this dialogue between leaders in mental health and disability from Itasca County and state agencies (Department of Human Services, Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Department of Human Rights), to take the time to hear the stories and experiences of people in greater Minnesota about what issues directly impact their lives," said Johnson.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to host the Olmstead Community Engagement Feedback session in our area," said Moen. "The session is open to all consumers, community members, professionals. It is an opportunity to express what works well, where change needs to occur and what is important not just for today, for our future generations."

The feedback discussion will be held at the Blandin Foundation (100 North Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids, Minn.)

More information about the Minnesota Olmstead Plan and Subcabinet can be found online at www.mn.gov/olmstead

Minnesota's Omstead Plan aims to improve life in Minnesota for all Minnesotans by helping those with disabilities have the opportunity, both now and in the future to:

Live close to their family and friends

Live more independently

Engage in productive employment

Participate in community life

Consumer questions for Olmstead talking points:

Are you able to make choices about where you live, work and engage with the community?

How much personal choice do you have in making day to- day decisions?

Is there an opportunity for you to share your choice, thoughts and options about the choices you are able to make that allow you to have the life you want?

What does your area offer you that help you live as independent as you want? How can your community provide better access to services?

What are some obstacles or challenges you see happening when trying to become more actively engaged in your community?