After more than a decade, New York State is revising its Olmstead Plan. This is an opportunity to tell the policy makers about what is working and what is not. An opportunity to shape policy for the decade to come.

The structure of the meeting is that there is 2 minute intro, and then advocates are called to speak for three minutes. Each session has a different prompt— questions they would like to hear us answer. See below. The approach we recommend: Use the prompt only if you find it helpful. Otherwise, just tell them what you think they need to hear!

Can’t make it? Understandable— these are in the middle of the work day. You can still tell the State what you need. Send an email by end of the day on Friday August 1st: olmsteadplanny@exec.ny.gov.

If you can make it, register HERE. Show up to as many of the three topic sessions as you can manage to attend. (There are also regional meetings, pretty much the same— just not focused on a topic.)

• Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from Noon – 3 pm

• Session 1: Access to Services and Supports

• Getting the help you need – like housing, healthcare, or transportation – when you need it.

• Prompt:
  What kinds of help or services do you rely on to live in your community?
  What services and supports would most improve your life if they were made more accessible?

• Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

• Session 2: Rights Protection and System Accountability

• Knowing your rights are protected, being treated with dignity, and having systems that work and respond fairly.

• Prompt:
  What have your experiences in sharing your preferences been like?
  Have you or someone you know had your/their rights eroded?
  What would help you feel more confident that your rights are protected?

• Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 11 am – 2 pm

• Session 3: Community Integration and Choice

• Living where and with whom you want, making your own choices, and being part of your community.

• Prompt:
  What have you observed about community integration and choice in your community?
  What would help make where you live more inclusive and integrated?
  What’s one thing that could make it easier for people to live in the communities of their choice?