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VOR Press Release:

The President's Olmstead Executive Order
preserves choice in residential options.

June 25, 2001

The Olmstead Executive Order, released by President Bush on June 19, 2001, supports a full range of residential care options for people with mental disabilities, consistent with the Supreme Court's decision.

While emphasizing the need for expanded community-based options for those individuals choosing and needing that level of care, the Executive Order, like the decision it reflects, recognizes that institutional care is appropriate for some people with mental retardation:

"Specifically, designated agencies should work with States to help them assess their compliance with the Olmstead decision and the ADA in providing services to qualified individuals with disabilities in community-based settings, as long as such services are appropriate to the needs of those individuals." Olmstead Executive Order, Sec. 2(a) (emphasis added).

Citing the holding in Olmstead, the Executive Order, Sec. 1(d), indicates that institutional placement remains proper whenever treatment professionals so determine; when the individual concurs; and when the affected state can reasonably accommodate the placement.

Advocates in support of choice are encouraged to participate in, and respond to, state-level Olmstead planning efforts. The Executive Order, Sec. 2(b) indicates that Olmstead reviews Ashould ensure the involvement of consumers, advocacy organizations, providers and relevant agency representatives.

VOR is the only national organization which supports a full continuum of support options available to people with mental retardation, including own-home, community-based supports, and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICFs/MR). VOR is confident that the Bush Administration will protect the most vulnerable of the nation's citizens by providing leadership in encouraging the states to offer a continuum of services to ensure all needs are appropriately accommodated.

As the President noted in his accompanying remarks, Olmstead --- ALL of Olmstead --- is now the administration's policy.

For more information please contact Tamie Hopp, Executive Director,

605-399-1624 voice; vor@compuserve.com.