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Confinement in an Institution severely diminishes the everyday life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options, economic independence, educational advancement and cultural enrichment. Olmstead v. L.C., 1999 The Supreme Court ruled in 1999 in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. |
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What is OOTF? Our Mission is to advocate for life in the community with dignity and justice for Ohioans with disabilities. Our Vision is that Ohioans with disabilities shall have:
to live independently with the power to choose and keep their own possessions; to services and supports that are inclusive, integrated and tailored to their unique needs; to choose and direct their services and supports; from the employees of government and private agencies who provide their services and supports. The OOTF and other groups helped to write and update Ohio Access, Ohio's plan to improve long-term services and supports for people with disabilities. Ohio Access is online at www.ohioaccess.ohio.gov. The OOTF advocates for people with disabilities of all ages to live, work, and participate in community life.
The OOTF is advocating for more Home and Community Based Care Waivers for people with disabilities of all ages to return to and remain in the community. The OOTF is collaborating to build a database and increase the number of affordable and accessible housing resources for people with disabilities. The OOTF is advocating for Medicaid Buy-in for people with disabilities to work without fear of losing essential health insurance. |
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Who is OOTF? The Ohio Olmstead Task Force is made up of several committees and member organizations.
Steering Committee
Chair Person: Mary Butler Description: The Steering Committee is an internal committee made up of the elected Ohio Olmstead Task Force Officers and Chairs of the various committees. This group meets several times a year to review the operating policies off the OOTF and also helps drive the direction that the OOTF takes.
Ohio Access Committee
Chair Person: Jim Etzel Description: The Ohio Access Committee is charged with the task of monitoring the progress of the Governor's Access Report. The Access Report was first completed in June of 2000. The state agencies responsible for services for people with disabilities undertook a comprehensive review of the current system and made recommendations for improving these services. This document has been reviewed in 2001, 2004, and 2006. It appears likely that this document will be reviewed and updated in 2008, under Governor Strickland. To view the 2006 Ohio Access Report www.ohioaccess.ohio.gov/index.asp
Finance Committee
Chair Person: Chuck Beatty Committee Members: Mary Butler, Richard Steinbrenner, Tony Bernard Description: The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the Ohio Olmstead Task Force. Our fiscal agent is Ohio SILC.
Legislative Committee Co Chairs: Sue Hetrick and Deborah Nebel
Sue Hetrick
Deborah Nebel Description: The Legislative Committee addresses issues impacting home and community based services, and independent living in the state of Ohio and watch issues on the federal level that may have an impact on Ohioans. They are charged with monitoring proposed legislation, rules and public policy issues affecting persons with disabilities. They educate, strategize and organize, so that the voice of persons with disabilities are heard. They also suggest the direction that the task force as a whole should take on legislative issues.
Public Relations Committee
Chair Person: Ann Snyder Description: The Public Relations Committee is charged with distributing materials regarding the task force. This includes the creation of flyers, development of the website and materials to be distributed to the public and legislative officials.
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