KIMMEL: Development of an Olmstead Plan
Project Description:
House Bill 922 passed through the Montana legislature in 2023 and was signed into law by Governor Gianforte. The bill requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to develop and implement a current Olmstead Plan. DPHHS is contracting with the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC) to conduct this work over the period of 21 months starting April 1, 2024. The plan will ensure that state-funded services and supports for Montanans with disabilities are, to the greatest extent possible, provided in the community rather than in an institutional setting. The work will include an overview of the Olmstead decision, an analysis of the department's current efforts to integrate people with disabilities into the community, the department-funded services and supports available to people with disabilities, an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the system, recommendations for increasing the availability of and access to community-based services and supports, and the incorporation of quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with the principles of Olmstead. This will be completed by an interdisciplinary group of RIIC staff composed of researchers, evaluators, knowledge translation specialists, direct service staff, and staff with lived experience of disability, along with input from the Statewide Independent Living Council. Work will include a data-driven systems overview of state-funded services, accessible language materials throughout all steps of the process, engagement and feedback from consumers, stakeholders, and partners statewide, production of both a comprehensive Olmstead Plan and an evaluation plan, and broad dissemination across Montana.
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Transportation-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
