Had I been institutionalized 31 years ago, I most likely would have passed away due to secondary issues such as bed sores, infections, etc.

Instead today I hold two degrees, I am a successful business woman, married, with a beautiful five year old daughter, and I would like to believe, I have made a difference in the communities I have lived.

For any of you who are questioning the “cost” of reversing this forced action – ask yourselves, what would you do if tomorrow you awoke in an institution (nursing home, etc.), and were stripped of your rights of freedom. You could not leave of your own accord. You could not choose your meals, or activities for the day. You would be forced to sit and wait out your existence.

Think of this…then decide…what can you do to SAVE these innocent people, and give them life?

Olmstead applies to all people with disabilities, including younger adults with physical disabilities, older adults with aging-related disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities.

The state’s requirement that people enter a nursing home for 60 days before accessing home and community based services in Medicaid is completely illogical from a consumer’s point of view. State budgetary crises have forced many states to put waiting lists or to impose onerous requirements on their community based care programs. Health reform does give states considerable additional funding for these programs, so hopefully these problems will become less acute in the years to come.