Olmstead Links
Advocacy
National Disability Rights Network
The NDRN works to create and enforce laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities. It is currently petitioning to increase federal funding for P&A/CAP programs, which are the largest providers of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States. The NDRN also campaigns for better educational opportunities for children with disabilities, helps to find or create jobs for adults with disabilities, and advocates for healthcare that will target the specific needs of people with disabilities. The NDRN provides a forum for people to learn about the issues that confront those with disabilities along with actionable feedback about how to participate in the movement to protect the rights of people with disabilities.
Bazelon Center
The Bazelon Center helps to reform systems and programs, especially at the federal level, to protect the rights of children and adults with mental disabilities and enable them to "lead lives with dignity in the community." It works to guarantee rights, consumer choice, access to services, and autonomy to people with mental disabilities. It also encourages participation in various advocacy movements through community engagement and support of federal advocacy through links on its website.
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) helps individual State and Territorial Councils on Developmental Disabilities develop and sustain inclusive communities, services, and support for people with developmental disabilities. It assists Councils in implementing the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act as well as promoting the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their families.
National Council on Independent Living
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities via public advocacy. The NCIL emphasizes the ways that people with disabilities can contribute to communities and encourages self-advocacy. It also campaigns for national equality of living and work opportunities for people with disabilities. It offers many opportunities for people to learn more about disabilities and get involved in the advocacy process.
APSE
The Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst (APSE) uses advocacy and education to increase employment and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. APSE works to "change philosophies, policies, practices and funding to advance employment, career development and economic advancement" for people with disabilities. Its goals include promoting attitudes that fully support people with disabilities in their roles in the community and employment, empowering people with disabilities to achieve fulfilling lives, and raising awareness in the business community about the advantages of hiring people with disabilities.
People First
People First is a national organization supported by local advocacy groups of people with disabilities. These groups work towards equality for people with disabilities via government programs and social awareness. The name "People First" came from one of the first members of the organization, a man with a disability who rejected labels like "handicapped" and said that he wanted to be "treated like a person first." People First works to make that dream a universal reality for all people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Legal Center
Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and works to eliminate discrimination and legal other barriers that contribute to poverty among people with disabilities. Through establishing precedent setting court cases and educating the disability, business, government, education, cancer and legal communities, DRLC promotes change in government agencies and other institutions. DRLC partners with other law offices to litigate systemic issues and legislative advocacy efforts, and also has working relationships with disability commissions and grassroots disability organizations.
Disability is Natural - People First Language
The mission of Disability is Natural is to encourage new ways of thinking about developmental disabilities, in the belief that our attitudes drive our actions, and changes in our attitudes and actions can help create a society where all children and adults with developmental disabilities have opportunities to live the lives of their dreams, included in all areas of life. Disability is Natural reminds us that using People First Language—putting the person before the disability—and eliminating old, prejudicial, and hurtful descriptors, can move us in a new direction. Their People First Language page includes articles related to using more respectful and accurate language.
Olmstead Pages
Justice Department's Olmstead Page
This website provides information about the Olmstead case and Supreme Court decision, as well as the implications of the ruling for both the government and individuals. It also includes up-to-date information about more current cases involving the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, information detailing the rights that the Olmstead case established for people with disabilities, and a thorough explanation of different methods of self-advocacy, such as filing an Olmstead complaint.
HHS Office for Civil Rights Olmstead Page
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Olmstead page discusses the measures that federal government agencies are taking to enforce Olmstead rights. It also details the ways in which the HHS partners with other organizations to put into effect the measures created by President Obama's 2009 "Year of Community Living" programs, in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Olmstead case. The website provides information about how the HHS and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) are expanding community services to people with disabilities.
Olmstead Cases - Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse
Clearinghouse containing pleadings from Olmstead related litigation from across the country. The University of Michigan Law School hosts this clearinghouse.
PAS Center Olmstead Page
The Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Center's Olmstead page provides a detailed analysis of the Olmstead case and its significance, state plans to enforce Olmstead rulings and alternate strategies, and Olmstead-related lawsuits.
Mental Health/Medical Assistance
SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) leads efforts within the HHS to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities. It has many community-based programs that work to educate people about mental health and also create environments in which people struggling with substance abuse or mental illnesses are empowered to overcome their adversity. SAMHSA also has an Olmstead page about the implementation of Olmstead policies such as community integration, and information from the Department of Housing and Urban Development about the role housing will play in accomplishing Olmstead goals.
NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) advocates greater access to services, treatment, and community support for people with mental illnesses. NAMI also works to raise national awareness about mental illness through public events, and invests in research devoted to assisting those with mental illness. NAMI provides many different ways for people to become involved with mental health advocacy, such as volunteering, donating, walking, or biking.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) is the leading national advocacy organization addressing the complete range of mental and substance use conditions and their effects on individuals and communities. MHA educates people with mental illnesses and advocates for better behavioral health services for all Americans. It also fights the stigma and prejudice many people have towards mental illnesses and promotes social justice. The MHA encourages people to volunteer or attend local sponsored events designed to draw attention towards the importance of addressing mental illness.
CMS
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) oversee the implementation of Medicaid (an assistance program for low-income families) and Medicare (a federal government-sponsored healthcare program primarily for seniors). Both programs are instituted to improve health care for people who could not otherwise afford it or might require serious medical assistance.
Miscellaneous
Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT)
The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) is a multi-faceted initiative to foster collaboration and action around accessible technology in the workplace. Guided by a consortium of policy and technology leaders, PEAT works to help employers, IT companies, and others to understand why it pays to build and buy accessible technology, and how to go about doing so. The Department of Justice has entered into 167 settlement agreements addressing how the #ADA applies to the accessibility of websites and other information and communications technologies (ICT). PEAT has put together a plain language resource for employers and employees titled How is the Department of Justice Addressing Website and ICT Accessibility, that help us make sense of these settlements and determine tangible next steps.