PROVIDER OLMSTEAD NETWORK
NATIONAL FOCUS GROUP
OLMSTEAD CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS
CHICAGO OLMSTEAD PROJECT
The National Olmstead Network (NON) was founded in 2003 in memory of BRUCE, who had die without dignity when he developed MS. The network was also founded in response to the President's Executive Order, which is one of the most important undertakings yet in the United States to help elderly and disabled persons live with dignity where they choose. The New Freedom Initiative of February 1, 2001, is part of a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people with disabilities. The initiative's specific proposals that directly involve HHS include: promoting full access to community life through swift implementation of the Olmstead Supreme Court decision ; and the creation of a National Commission on Mental Health. on December 21, 2001, HHS presented President Bush with Delivering on the Promise: Preliminary Report of Federal Agencies' Actions to Eliminate Barriers and Promote Community Integration , thus allowing life, liberty and justice for all Americans.
The National Olmstead Network is an informational advocacy organization providing assistance and counseling to those interested in the Olmstead Decision. Its projects are to insure human dignity, especially the elderly, disabled and homeless persons.
As a member of Voters of Illinois with Disabilities, we are able to aid congress and others to write and pass legislation that will allow the elderly and disabled to live and work in dignity.
The Congress of Disabled Persons Against Exploitation (COPDAE) understands the great need for housing for the elderly and disabled persons. In an effort to help develop the President's plan, COPDAE is sponsoring the National Olmstead Network.
Due to the interest that the mayor of Chicago has in disabled and elderly people, COPDAE directed The Coordinating Olmstead Council (COC) to start a pilot Olmstead Project in Chicago. If successful, COC will aid other groups and other COC chapters in the United States, and in other countries, in developing Olmstead Independent Living Projects (OILP).