In just a few days, nearly 2,000 petition signatures were collected from caregivers, parents, and concerned citizens urging Governor Cuomo to sign critically important legislation protecting services for people with developmental disabilities. Over the last two months, OPWDD has held transformation panel public forums throughout the state. Parents across the state expressed their concerns about their loved ones.

The bill, A.7332 / S.4094 would have compelled OPWDD to show a true commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities by allowing them a list of options that would expand services in all areas of the state. Despite clear support from the community, Governor Cuomo vetoed the bill claiming the bill “Would run counter to the Olmstead mandate, federal Medicaid guidance, and generally accepted practices for the care of persons with disabilities.”

We will not accept the misleading interpretation of the Olmstead decision in the veto message of the OPWDD continuity of care bill. The success of the petition shows that the lack of available options for families waiting for services is no longer acceptable.

Please sign on to a new campaign that will strive to increase funding, deliver better care and create new services in OPWDD throughout the budget process.

Through this network, we will show how strong our voices are when joined together.

Here are some facts regarding the 1999 Olmstead ruling:

• The Olmstead ruling by the Supreme Court held that individuals with mental disabilities have the right to live in the community rather than in institutions, if:
  
  • The State’s treatment professionals have determined that community placement is appropriate;
  • The transfer from institutional care to a less restrictive setting is not opposed by the affected individual;
  • The placement can be reasonably accommodated, taking into account the resources available to the State and the needs of others with mental disabilities.
• The Supreme Court also stated “We emphasize that nothing in the ADA or its implementing regulations condones the termination of institutional settings for persons unable to handle or benefit from community settings.”
• While the decision requires providing services in the least restrictive setting, a key point was that it must be where appropriate.

We must continue to work together to force OPWDD to listen to the concerns that have long been raised. It is time for OPWDD to show a true commitment to the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities by ensuring access to a range of treatment and living options that appropriately consider their needs.