In Olmstead v. L.C. the Supreme Court ruled people with disabilities have a right to lives of inclusion and integration. Disability is a normal part of life and we all benefit from communities made up of diverse people, life experiences, and abilities. 

The Olmstead Case centered on two women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson. Both had disabilities and experienced going in and out of state run hospitals. Their doctors believed they could safely live in the community. Every time they left the hospital, they would go home without support and end up back in a hospital. They asked the State of Georgia to give them the help they needed to integrate into their communities and stop going into hospitals. 

The Supreme Court agreed with Lois and Elaine. The Court ruled they should have the supports needed to live in their homes and communities. The court required states to provide services in the community to people with disabilities when:

• The services are appropriate;
• The person does not oppose community-based services; and
• The community-based services can be reasonably accommodated, taking into account the resources available and the needs of others receiving services.

Nebraska's Olmstead Plan reflects the following fundamental beliefs in supporting individuals with disabilities. Nebraska is committed​ to: 

• Person- and family-centered approaches. 
• Ensuring the safety of, and an improved quality of life for, people with disabilities. 
• Services that are readily available, at locations accessible to individuals in need and their families. 
• Supporting individuals to live a meaningful life in the community they choose. ​​​

In addition to these Core Values, the following Guiding Principles serve as a foundation for Nebraska's Olmstead Plan: 

• ​​​Self Determination and Choice: Individuals with disabilities and their families will be supported in controlling decisions about their lives, selecting from an array of services, supports, and providers. ​
• Independence and Least Restrictive: Individuals will receive services that maximize their full potential, in the least coercive manner and in the most natural settings possible to meet their needs. 
• Use of Respectful Language: Including “People First" Language: Individuals with disabilities and their families will be treated with dignity and as individuals who have their own unique strengths, wishes, and desires. 
• Evidence-Based Strategies: Individuals with disabilities and their families will have access to services and supports that adhere to evidence-based practices, in order to achieve the best outcomes. 
• Services Across the Life Span: Nebraskans with disabilities will have access to age-appropriate services and supports from birth to end of life. 
• Safety: Nebraskans with disabilities will be served in environments that are free from abuse and neglect, and that meet ADA compliance standards for health and well-being. 
• Diversity: Services will honor the geographical differences, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic, and gender identities of all individuals with disabilities. 
• Inclusion: All individuals with any type of disability will have the opportunity to live, learn, work and socialize with members of their community who do not have disabilities. 
• Integration: Services and supports will afford individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live as neighbors in, and to participate as active members of, their communities. 
• Accountability: The systems and services that support individuals with disabilities will be accountable to Nebraska's state administration, legislature, taxpaying citizens, and most importantly, to those they serve. 
  

Nebraska's vision is for all individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and enjoy life in the most integrated setting of their choosing. This Plan sets forth the following goals in order to achieve this vision.​

• Goal 1: Nebraskans with disabilities will have access to individualized community-based services and supports that meet their needs and preferences.​
  
• Goal 2: Nebraskans with disabilities will have access to safe, affordable, accessible housing in the communities in which they choose to live. 
  
  • ​Nebraska Supportive Housing Plan
    
• Goal 3: Nebraskans with disabilities will receive services in the settings most appropriate to meet their needs and preferences. ​
  

• ​Person-Centered Planning Initiative​ 
  

• Goal 4: Nebraskans with disabilities will have increased access to education and choice in competitive, integrated employment opportunities. ​
  
• ​Goal 5: Nebraskans with disabilities will have access to affordable and accessible transportation statewide.
  
• Goal 6: Individuals with disabilities will receive services and supports that reflect data-driven decision-making, improvement in the quality of services, and enhanced accountability across systems. ​
  
• Goal 7: Nebraskans with disabilities will receive services and supports from a high-quality workforce. ​​

The Olmstead Steering Group developed a comprehensive strategic plan for providing services to people with disabilities in integrated community-based settings. They monitor the implementation of the plan and the impact the plan has on the lives of people with disabilities. Learn more.​

DHHS has workgroups to look at Community Supports, Housing, Education, Employment, Data, and Transportation. Workgroups include people with disabilities who can share lived experience in these areas. To join a workgroup, email the Olmstead mailbox: DHHS.NEOlmstead@nebraska.gov.

Minutes are posted after committee approval.

• June 29, 2023 Agenda
  
• May 25, 2023 Agenda​
• April 27, 2023 Agenda 
• April 2023 Olmstead Minutes​ 
  
• DRAFT Olmstead Advisory Committee Guidelines - DRAFT for review
• Meeting Cadence - proposed upcoming meetings
• February 21, 2023 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda 
  
• February 2023 Olmstead Minutes​

• January 26, 2023 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda 
• January 2023 Olmstead Minutes
• December 1, 2022 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda
• October 27, 2022 Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• September 22, 2022 Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• August 25, 2022 Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• July 28, 2022 Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• May 26, 2022 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda
• ​January 5, 2022 Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• November 19, 2021 Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• September 23, 2021 Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• June 24, 2021 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Presentation
• 6/24/21 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda
• Proposed Olmstead Advisory Committee Guidelines - DRAFT reviewed by committee
• Proposed Outcomes for Revised Olmstead Plan - DRAFT reviewed by committee
• Reflecting on Olmstead - A presentation by TAC to the Nebraska Olmstead Stakeholder Advisory Committee

• May 18, 2021 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Presentation
  
• 5/18/21 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda
• May 2021 Olmstead Minutes
• Proposed Olmstead Advisory Committee Charter - DRAFT reviewed by committee

• March 19, 2021 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Presentation
• 3/19/21 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda
• March 2021 Olmstead Minutes

• December 14, 2020 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Presentation
  
• 12/14/20 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda
• December 2020 Olmstead Minutes
• Nebraska Olmstead Work Plan and Tracking

• November 5, 2019 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Presentation
  
• 11/5/19 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Agenda
• 11/5/19 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Minutes
• January 31, 2019 Nebraska Olmstead Advisory Presentation​