Governor Creates Commission on Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities

Rita Landgraf, Chair, State Council for Persons with Disabilities

Monday, September 22, 2003 was a significant day for the disability movement: Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed Executive Order 50, creating the Commission on Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities. The Governor made the announcement before attendees at the Annual State Council for Persons with Disabilities luncheon. Her message—that the state needs to do better in its efforts to support individuals with disabilities—has a far-reaching impact. The Governor indicated that the state and disability advocates may not always agree, but a mechanism needs to be in place where all parties can voice their views and promote a positive plan of action. This comprehensive plan's goal will be to enhance community inclusion efforts for all individuals with disabilities. Governor Minner expressed her personal commitment, and that of her administration, to addressing the critical needs regarding community-based services for persons with disabilities.

In addition, Governor Minner announced the pending settlement of the lawsuit filed against the state by The Arc, Homes for Life, Delaware People First, and several individual plaintiffs. The lawsuit, filed on April 8, 2002, asserted violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Believing that individuals with disabilities should be afforded the opportunity to reside "in the least restrictive environment," the plaintiffs sought the elimination of waiting lists for services, provision of community-based services for people who are currently institutionalized at Stockley Center, and improvement of Delaware's current delivery system. As a result of discussions among the Governor, members of her administration, and representatives for the plaintiffs, the parties reached several agreements, including a commitment to work cooperatively to enhance the service delivery system for all individuals with disabilities.The Governor’s new commission will be charged with reporting progress on advancements in the areas of independence and community participation on a quarterly basis. The Commission's membership will be limited to 19 members, including legislators, representatives from the state administration, consumers, advocates, and a community-at-large member. The Commission will utilize existing plans, studies, and reports, including the report created by the HR90 Commission on Community-Based Alternatives for Persons with Disabilities, to inform the creation of a truly diversified, individualized, cost-effective service and support system that will enable individuals with disabilities to be fully included in the community of their choice.

Rita Landgraf, Chair of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Secretary Vincent Meconi, Department of Health and Social Services, have been designated as the Co-Chairs of the Commission. Both Ms. Landgraf and Secretary Meconi believe the process should be very open and inclusive of all interested parties. They intend to establish sub-committees to address aspects of community living such as housing, employment, transportation, health care, and education. All Commission meetings will be open to the public. The first meeting of the Commission was held in early November, and those in attendance were invited to submit issues for consideration as well as nominations for those who might serve on various subcommittees.

It is anticipated that subcommittees will:

• consider processes used to identify supports needed for successful community living
• identify barriers to community inclusion
• establish outcome measures by which progress toward community living goals can be evaluated.

The Commission also is likely to address practices for leveraging funding, policy development relative to person-centered supports, and the development of public/private partnerships to enhance service delivery. The Commission’s success depends on the involvement of all who have a stake in its outcome. Please join in the dialogue and contribute to this important activity.