The Alabama Disabilities Action Coalition is a non-partisan coalition of individuals with disabilities and organizations representing them. ADAC was founded in the early 1990's as a local Birmingham group organized to conduct candidates' forums to inform local and state officeholders about issues and needs of individuals with disabilities. ADAC seeks to build a broad based statewide coalition of all people with disabilities in order to bring about positive changes in attitude among people without disabilities.
2001 In its 1999 decision, Olmstead v. L.C., the United States Supreme Court ruled that unjustified isolation and segregation of disabled Medicaid beneficiaries in institutional settings is a form of discrimination under the ADA.
The decision directed states to deliver long-term care and support for beneficiaries “in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs and desires of individuals with disabilities.” However, the decision also takes into consideration resources of the states and ruled that, while the states have to “make reasonable accommodations” for community placement, they do not have to make “fundamental alterations” in their services or programs. Future court cases will shed more light on responsibilities of the states with regard to Olmstead. In the meantime, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has determined that this decision not only covers institutionalized Medicaid beneficiaries, but also those at risk for institutionalization unless they receive appropriate care.
ADAC supports the passage of necessary programmatic and funding legislation for increased access to community-based care.
ADAC urges congress to pass necessary legislation to allow consumers to have choice in where Medicaid dollars are spent regarding their own personal care. Consumers should have the choice between home care or nursing home care. Medicaid and Medicare dollars should follow the consumer, not the institution.
ADAC urges Medicaid to establish access to home and community-based services for people with disabilities and seniors in a timely manner, and must invest in communities to support all our family, friends, and neighbors.