Governor McKee Signs Executive Order to Better Support Rhode Islanders with Disabilities

PROVIDENCE, RI — Last week, Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order establishing the state's Olmstead Advisory Group to help Rhode Island strengthen collaboration across government, and, in partnership with community, prioritize efforts to improve systems for people with disabilities. 

"The State of Rhode Island is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities of all ages and demographics have access to a continuum of care with robust community-based services and supports to thrive in the least restrictive and most integrated setting possible,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We recognize that such services and supports advance the best interests of all Rhode Islanders by empowering independence, freedom of choice, and participation in community life for people with disabilities.” 

"An estimated 25 percent of Rhode Islanders have a disability," said Executive Office of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Ana Novais. “Rhode Island has made progress in recent years towards ensuring that appropriate home- and community-based services and supports are available to promote community living and prevent unnecessary institutionalization for Rhode Islanders who have disabilities. We will continue to make positive changes through this effort.”

"Adopting the Olmstead Plan is a crucial step towards ensuring that children with disabilities receive the tailored support and inclusive care they deserve," said Department of Children, Youth and Families Director Ashley Deckert. "By focusing on community-based solutions, we are committed to creating environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fully participate in their community. This plan represents our unwavering dedication to meeting the unique needs of these children and ensuring they have access to the resources and support necessary for their success and well-being."

“We work every day to provide individuals with the resources and tools they need to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives,” said Richard Leclerc, Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals. “Having an Olmstead Plan, and developing that plan in a collaborative manner across state government and the private sector, will help us to better serve these individuals and ensure a continued focus on community integration standards.”

“All Rhode Islanders deserve equal access to the tools and resources that support healthy living. This is what health equity is all about,” said Department of Health Director Jerry Larkin, MD. “We look forward to partnering with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, other partners in government and healthcare, and the community to ensure that appropriate home- and community-based services are available to all, and to improve our systems of care for people with disabilities.” 

"We extend our gratitude to Governor McKee for his decisive action in establishing an Olmstead Advisory Body through his recent Executive Order. This pivotal step conveys the state's commitment to developing an Olmstead Plan in collaboration with community partners and people with serious persistent mental illness; intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities; older adults; and youth with emotional disturbances," said Laurie-Marie Pisciotta, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island. "Each of us has a stake in Rhode Island's forthcoming Olmstead Plan because we could face disease or disability at any point in our lives, putting us at risk of unnecessary institutionalization. A permanent, renewable, inclusive and comprehensive Olmstead Plan will help the state assess, acquire and maintain all the resources necessary to ensure that every Rhode Islander can live, work and receive services in the setting of their choosing. Plans are integral to building an inclusive and equitable community. This Executive Order puts Rhode Island on a path to achieving that aspiration."

The State of Rhode Island—in partnership with the community—will continue to move purposefully and swiftly develop and implement the community integration standards set forth in the Olmstead decision and the mandates of Title II of the ADA through the establishment of Rhode Island’s first Olmstead Plan. 

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) will work across government agencies, industry sectors, and the community to finalize Olmstead Plan priorities and leverage the expertise of an Olmstead Advisory Group to inform and monitor efforts. The advisory group will be comprised of community members with lived experience and other subject-matter experts and held as a public meeting Members of the Olmstead Advisory Group will be appointed by the Secretary of EOHHS and shall serve at the Secretary’s pleasure.  

The Executive Order also states that EOHHS will: 

·     Produce a preliminary draft of a Rhode Island Olmstead Plan that prioritizes accessible service delivery to individual with disabilities in the least restrictive settings by February 15, 2025 and a final draft shortly thereafter.  

·     Create processes and procedures to revise and update Rhode Island’s Olmstead Plan every five years to address changes in the law and the development of new programs and opportunities for the population affected.  

·     Review plan performance, investment outcomes, strengths of approaches, and opportunities annually and report such findings to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate President, within 90 days of each new State Fiscal Year.