Olmstead Community Newsletter | September 2024 | |
Celebrate progress, foster inclusion, and amplify voices – join us in building a more accessible and equitable community for Rhode Islanders with disabilities and their families. | |
Welcome to our second Rhode Island Olmstead Community Newsletter! This newsletter is here to keep you informed and involved as we work to make Rhode Island's communities more accessible for people with disabilities and their families. We'll share updates on our Olmstead efforts and information on how you can provide us feedback, stories from our community, and more. Let's make a difference together! |
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Governor's Executive Order on Olmstead | |
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On August 14th, 2024, Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order to strengthen collaboration across Rhode Island’s government and community to improve systems for people with disabilities. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has been tasked with finalizing the priorities of the Olmstead Plan by February 2025, with input from an Olmstead Advisory Group. This group, made up of individuals with lived experience and experts, will inform and monitor progress. EOHHS will review and revise the plan every five years, ensuring continuous improvement in accessible service delivery. Interested in joining the advisory group? Applications are still open for individuals with lived experience who speak Portuguese and Spanish. Please fill out these applications by October 4th
Click here for Portuguese
Click here for Spanish
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Olmstead Community Forum Highlights | |
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Olmstead Engagement Forum
The Olmstead Forum was an engaging and informative event that focused on inclusion and community engagement. The day began with arrival and networking over light refreshments, followed by welcoming remarks from the Governor’s Office and Medicaid Program. Keynote addresses highlighted the importance of Olmstead and why inclusion matters.
A diverse group of organizations participated, including disability service providers, advocacy groups, healthcare agencies, community-based organizations, and government agencies. These organizations are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and ensuring their full integration into the community.
After a short break, attendees received an update on Rhode Island’s Olmstead efforts and had the chance to network over lunch. In the afternoon, a gallery walk exercise allowed for community feedback and prioritization, and setting-specific planning workgroups kicked off discussions. The forum concluded with the transition to the inaugural Olmstead Advisory Group meeting.
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Olmstead Advisory Group Meeting
Appointees of the Olmstead Advisory Group attended the inaugural meeting. The meeting aimed to establish a roadmap that fosters expectations, transparency, and ongoing feedback to support the successful development of the Olmstead Plan.
The meeting began with introductions led by Secretary Charest. EOHHS then provided an overview provided an overview of the Executive Order and the Advisory Group's role, followed by a brief review of Olmstead. The advisory group then discussed the initial planning framework, The session concluded with outlining the project plan for moving forward and a public comment period.
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This month, we focus on creating a more inclusive community by raising awareness of key issues. Each of these observances highlights the importance of accessible services and community integration—principles at the core of the Olmstead Plan:
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National Recovery Month: This month emphasizes the importance of accessible mental health and substance use disorder services. The Olmstead decision supports community-based mental health services, ensuring individuals with disabilities can receive care in the least restrictive settings.
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Suicide Prevention Month: Accessible mental health resources are critical for preventing suicide, especially for people with disabilities who may face unique challenges. The Olmstead Plan aligns with efforts to ensure everyone has access to life-saving mental health care in their community.
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Back-to-School Accessibility: As students return to school, it's important to ensure that those with disabilities have access to the resources they need for an inclusive learning environment. The Olmstead decision reinforces the right to education in community-based settings rather than segregated institutions.
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Hispanic Heritage Month: This observance highlights the contributions of Hispanic individuals in disability advocacy, while also addressing the disparities they face in accessing services. The Olmstead Plan aims to ensure equity in service delivery for all communities, including the Hispanic population.
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Community Voices: Stories of Inclusion and Impact | |
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Partner Spotlight: Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
OSCIL, led by Executive Director Mireilla Sayaf, is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities in Rhode Island to live independently within their communities. Their work is centered on five key pillars: information and referral, advocacy, independent skills training, peer support, and transition services. These pillars, along with home access modifications, support the goals of the Olmstead ruling by promoting independence.
One inspiring example is Maria, a 51-year-old woman with visual impairments who, through OSCIL’s Women’s Support group, gained the confidence to purchase her own home. With OSCIL’s assistance in making crucial home modifications, including handrails and motion-sensor lighting, Maria was able to achieve true independence.
OSCIL continues to address challenges such as transportation barriers, the housing crisis, and communication accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Their commitment to the principles of the Olmstead ruling ensures they remain a vital force in advocating for disability rights and fostering independence in Rhode Island.
Click here to learn more about OSCIL
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Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities | |
Recent Accomplishments & Updates | |
New Website Launch: Visit Our Olmstead Website
We are excited to announce the launch of the new Rhode Island Olmstead website! This platform is designed to keep you updated on our ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible community for individuals with disabilities. On the website, you will find:
- Olmstead Plan Updates: Stay informed on the progress of the Rhode Island Olmstead Plan and upcoming community initiatives.
- Survey Participation: Share your voice by taking part in the Olmstead Prioritization Survey and helping to shape future priorities.
Visit us at eohhs.ri.gov/Olmstead-Planning and get involved in making Rhode Island a more inclusive place for all.
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Call to Action: Take Our Olmstead Prioritization Survey | |
Resources for the Community | |
Contact Us & Stay Connected | |
Community Partner Updates
Does your organization have a story to share? We would love to feature you here next month!
- Share updates on events, programs, or initiatives that promote community integration, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
- Provide information about resources, services, or support groups available to individuals with disabilities and their families.
- Highlight success stories, testimonials, or personal experiences that demonstrate the impact of community-based programs or services.
- Include opportunities for collaboration, volunteerism, or advocacy efforts to support the aims of the Olmstead.
Reach out to Edy at edy.pineda.ctr@ohhs.ri.gov to submit any updates you would like to share! Please ensure that content is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of diverse perspectives within the community
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Why Does Olmstead Matter? | |
| Executive Office Health & Human Services, State of Rhode Island | 3 West Road, Virks Building | Cranston, RI 02920 US | | | | |
