-> -----Original Message-----
-> From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
-> On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
-> Sent: Thursday, August 05, 1999 2:05 PM
-> To: [log in to unmask]
-> Subject: ADAPT Challenges NGA
->
->
->
->  ***** PRESS RELEASE *****
->
->  For Immediate Release
->  August 5, 1999
->
->  For Information:            Michelle Steiger
->                              ADAPT of St. Louis
->                              314/822-3285 or 314/241-9500
->
->                              Bob Kafka
->                              National ADAPT
->                              314/241-9500
->
->  Subject:  ADAPT,  Challenges National Governors Association to Support
->  "Most Integrated Setting" requirement in the ADA.
->
->  INTEGRATION and REAL CHOICE
->
->  Hundreds of disabled activists from throughout the United States will be
->  demonstrating at the National Governors Association, NGA
-> conference being
->  held at the Adams Mark Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, August 7th - 10th.
->  There will be a "March" to the Old Court House starting a 9pm on August
->  7th and a rally/press opportunity at the Old Court House at 9:30pm, 4th
->  and Market Street.
->
->  ADAPT, a national grassroots disability rights group is challenging the
->  NGA to support the most integrated setting requirement in the Americans
->  with Disabilities Act, ADA and to work with ADAPT to implement
-> the recent
->  Supreme Court ruling in "Olmstead v. LC & EW".  ADAPT also wants the NGA
->  to support national legislation, MiCASSA that would change the
->  institutional bias of the current Medicaid long term care
-> delivery system.
->
->  In Olmstead v. LC & EW, the Supreme Court for the first time in history,
->  ruled states must follow the ADA's integration requirement when they
->  deliver ongoing long term community services and supports.  The Court
->  stated, "unjustified placement or retention of persons in institutions,
->  severely limiting their exposure to the outside community, constitutes a
->  form of discrimination.
->
->  The NGA had filed a amicus brief IN OPPOSITION to the most integrated
->  setting requirement in the ADA putting every Governor against the
->  disability community's position that all individuals with disabilities
->  should have the right to choose where they live and receive support
->  services in the most integrated setting.
->
->  Michelle Steiger, ADAPT organizer from St. Louis stated, "People with
->  disabilities, young or old wants an equal opportunity to live in the
->  community.  We demand integration and real choices.  The NGA has taken a
->  position that would have taken away our civil rights.  We are saying
->  `DON'T TREAD ON THE ADA'".
->
->  ADAPT is planning three days of protests which will begin with the rally
->  at the Old Court House on 4th and Market.
->
->    -30-
->
->
->
->  FOR MORE INFORMATION on ADAPT Please visit our website at
->                      http://www.adapt.org/
->
->  For direct inquiries regarding this press release please use the contact
->      information at the beginning of this message or Email
-> [log in to unmask]
->
->
-> NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASA List of Adapt Organizers.
->