Olmstead Community Newsletter |August 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 first 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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Announcement from the Governor's Office | |
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On August 14th, 2024, Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order ensuring Rhode Island will strengthen collaboration across government, and in partnership with community, to prioritize efforts to improve systems for people with disabilities. The Executive Order calls upon the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to work across government agencies, industry sectors, and the community to finalize Olmstead Plan priorities and leverage the expertise of an Olmstead Advisory Group to inform and monitor efforts. The advisory group will be comprised of community members with lived experience and other subject-matter experts and held as a public meeting. Members of the Olmstead Advisory Group will be appointed by the Secretary of EOHHS and shall serve at the Secretary’s pleasure.
The Executive Order also states that EOHHS will:
• Produce a preliminary draft of a Rhode Island Olmstead Plan that prioritizes accessible service delivery to individual with disabilities in the least restrictive settings by February 15, 2025, and a final draft shortly thereafter.
• Create processes and procedures to revise and update Rhode Island’s Olmstead Plan every five years to address changes in the law and the development of new programs and opportunities for the population affected.
• Review plan performance, investment outcomes, strengths of approaches, and opportunities annually and report such findings to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate President, within 90 days of each new State Fiscal Year.
Are you or someone you know interested in being on the Olmstead Advisory Group? If so, email allegra.scharff@health.ri.gov for more information and an application link.
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Why Does Olmstead Matter ? | | |
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Olmstead for All
Anyone can become disabled at some point in their life. We all have a stake in making sure the right supports are in place.
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Collaborative Efforts for Inclusive Disability Services
Ensuring people with disabilities live in the least restrictive setting requires support from both government and community partners. A cross-agency and cross-sector approach will support comprehensive Olmstead Plan for Rhode Island, promoting independence and inclusion in health, housing, education, employment, and transportation.
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Built state capacity
- Onboarded an Olmstead Planning Coordinator and Community Engagement Specialist
- Reviewed different state Olmstead Plans for key insight
- Developed a scope of work for our planning and consultant
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Began community engagement initiatives
- Released our Olmstead Prioritization Survey to gain insights from partners and individuals with lived experience
- Conducted open-ended interviews and group discussions with community and state stakeholders
- To date, held over 35 interviews and received 57 of surveys
- Attended Ocean State Center for Independent Living conference and volunteered at the Dare to Dream conference
- Listened to community needs from the Rhode Island Youth Advisory Council, Governor's Overdose Task Force Recovery Work Group, Long Term Care Coordaining Council, and RI Reentry Alliance
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Explored additional opportunities to advance Olmstead
- Applied for housing vouchers for individuals with developmental disabilities with BHDDH and RI Housing
- Launched the Community Integration Supports Pilot within four Health Equity Zones
- Continued monthly reporting and participation in the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health
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Allegra Scharff is the Chief of Healthcare Equity at the Rhode Island Department of Health and the state's Olmstead Coordinator. Since 2011, she has focused on advancing health equity in Rhode Island, specializing in eliminating health disparities with a focus on the impact of incarceration on individual and community health. As a mother of a child with a disability, she is passionate about creating inclusive environments and ensuring that those with lived experience guide the work. She looks forward to connecting with more Rhode Islanders through this planning process.
Contact Allegra by Email
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Edy Pineda is the Community Engagement Specialist. With a background in healthcare and education, Edy is committed to raising awareness about the socio-economic determinants of health. As part of the Olmstead Planning Team, Edy is excited to engage communities and families to make the state more inclusive for Rhode Islanders with disabilities. Edy's goal is to ensure that community members' voices are heard, and their needs are met throughout the planning process.
Contact Edy by Email
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James Rajotte is the Director of Strategy and Innovation. He is excited to get to know everyone through this newsletter and to be part of the EOHHS team working on Olmstead planning. At EOHHS, he ensures their plans align with the Rhode Island 2030 Plan and health and human services priorities. His work includes collaboration with the Department of Housing and other government agencies, as well as fostering engagement in various EOHHS programs, such as Pay for Success, Medicaid Renewals, Olmstead Planning, and Medical Respite and Mobile Wound Care.
Contact James by Email
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Where are We Headed Next? | |
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Community Listening Sessions:
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) with our planning consultant will soon be offering funding to up to 15 community-based organizations. These organizations will host accessible community listening sessions to help inform the creation of Rhode Island's Olmstead plan.
If your organization works with individuals covered under Olmstead, you may apply for this opportunity when it becomes available.
To join ou email list and get more information, email Edy at edy.pineda.ctr@OHHS.ri.gov with your name, title, and organization details.
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Summer Celebrations and Observations Recap
This summer, we celebrated several important events highlighting our commitment to inclusion and equity. During Pride Month, we recognized the LGBTQIA+ community, noting that many identify with a disability, underscoring the need for Olmstead initiatives. Juneteenth reminded us of the ongoing disparities faced by Black Americans with disabilities, reinforcing our resolve to ensure equity in our planning. July's BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month highlighted the unique challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in accessing mental health care, urging us to integrate these considerations into our efforts. Lastly, Disability Pride Month honored the achievements and experiences of people with disabilities, aligning with our mission to support their full participation in the community. Together, these celebrations reaffirm our dedication to a future where everyone, regardless of race, ability, or identity, experiences true inclusion and justice.
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Help shape the future of disability services in Rhode Island by taking and sharing our survey!
We’re seeking your valuable input to guide our Olmstead planning priorities. Spend just 20 minutes on our survey and be part of making a big impact.
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What Else is happening in the Community? | |
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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| Executive Office Health & Human Services, State of Rhode Island | 3 West Road, Virks Building | Cranston, RI 02920 US | | | | |
