What is Olmstead?

Olmstead is the name of a Supreme Court Decision stating that unnecessary institutionalization is discrimination again people with disabilities.

The Olmstead Lawsuit was filed by two women with mental retardation and mental illness who wanted to move from a Georgia institution into the community.  Their doctors declared them able to do so, but the institution would not allow them to leave.

The women won their lawsuit and won again on appeal to the United States Supreme Court.  On June 22, 1999 the Court ruled that people with disabilities have the right to live in the community:

•If they want to,
•If their doctors agree, and
•If the state can reasonable accommodate their disabilities in the community.

Membership Information

OOTF membership is comprised of any number of active members and interested parties representing a variety of people including:
- People with disabilities
- Family members
- Representatives of disability organizations
- Organizations that collaborate with people with disabilities
- People interested in disability issues
- Advocates

People can become members of the Ohio Olmstead Task Force after attending at least three (3) meetings. After an individual has attended three meetings they may become a voting member or interested party by completing a registration form, and signing it, thus agreeing to the OOTF mission.

A member becomes an interested party if he or she does not participate in an OOTF function for six consecutive months. Functions may include: attending meetings, serving on a committee, participating in an activity, etc.
Interested parties:
- Do not have voting privileges.
- Have access to OOTF general listserve.
- May be activated to voting member status upon request.

If you are just interested in hearing about current activities, please contact Mary Butler at lcccdinc@eriecoast.net to be included on our email listserve.
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