Home > Advocacy in Action > Olmstead Priorities and Issues
The Olmstead Advisory Council has identified priorities and issues to be addressed in 2008. The overarching goal for 2008 is the implementation of West Virginia's Olmstead Plan.
The West Virginia Olmstead Plan, Building Inclusive Communities was formally endorsed by Governor Manchin through Executive Order 11-05. The Olmstead Plan needs to be implemented to fully address the State's obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the U.S. Supreme Court decision.
The Olmstead Advisory Council continues to support the implementation of rebalancing strategies to meet the long term care needs of West Virginians. The Olmstead Office contracted with a nationally recognized consulting firm to conduct a "Money Follows the Person (MFP) and Rebalancing" study of West Virginia's long term care system. The study will be utilized to promote a comprehensive plan or roadmap for implementation of recommended strategies. It is critical to utilize MFP and rebalancing strategies to implement Title II of the ADA and the Olmstead Plan in West Virginia.
The Olmstead Advisory Council is committed to working with state officials and stakeholders in identifying strategies to increase supports for people who are under-served or un-served throughout West Virginia. This includes: people with mental illness, substance abuse, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, acquired disabilities and/or co-occurring disabilities. In addition, people who are forced to seek support out-of-state for vent care or support not offered or provided in West Virginia.
The Olmstead Advisory Council is committed to working with state officials and stakeholders to eliminate the waiting lists for the MR/DD Waiver Program. Title II of the ADA, as re-affirmed by the Olmstead decision, requires states to provide people with disabilities service and support options in the most integrated setting in the community.
The Olmstead Advisory Council is committed to working with state officials and stakeholders to provide West Virginia citizens with a realistic alternative to nursing facility care. The Aged and Disabled Waiver Program should provide for the supports and services people need to have a functional choice between institutional and community-based support.
The Olmstead Advisory Council is committed to supporting the Transition Navigator Program. The West Virginia Transition Initiative was implemented in 2007 that supports this issue. This program will encompass much of the informed choice, identification, transition, and diversion components of the Olmstead Plan and is a part of the West Virginia Transition Initiative. The Olmstead Office is requesting an additional $670,000 through an improvement package for annual on-going funding to fully implement the West Virginia Transition Initiative to expand the Navigator program and offer start-up funding to an additional 140 people.
Tina Maher, Olmstead Coordinator
Olmstead Office
State Capitol Complex
Building 6, Room 850
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
304-558-3287 or 866-761-4628
Email: tinamaher@wvdhhr.org
