The impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C. continues to generate concerns from family members, caregivers, community organizations and individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the transition process into more integrated work settings. As a result, the Assembly Minority Task Force on Protecting the Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities has been created to evaluate the effectiveness of current transition plans for those in sheltered workshops, developmental centers, and community homes and to ensure that the input and desires of people with developmental disabilities are being considered.

The task force will be hosting regional forums across the state in an effort to better address the current transition plans and other important issues facing individuals with disabilities and their families. The sixth event will take place on Thursday, April 21 from Noon to 2 p.m. at the Greenville Town Hall Meeting Room, 1537 U.S. Highway 6, Port Jervis.

“I am proud to host this task force forum to bring together those who work in human services, and the people and families who depend on them so we can ensure they are getting the best care possible,” said Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark). “It is imperative that as legislators we do as much as we can to find out what services are lacking and develop solutions to address the shortfalls.”

Representatives from non-profit organizations and facilities, community leaders and mental health experts have been invited to attend and provide testimony. The task force is also encouraging individuals with disabilities and their families to share their firsthand experiences as a result of the Olmstead Decision.

“A concerted, statewide effort to improve services for those with developmental disabilities is the only way to make certain every New Yorker is fairly represented,” said Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge), task force chairman. “No New Yorker should be marginalized, and it is our job to make sure that never happens. Together, we will address the concerns of those with developmental disabilities and aggressively tackle those concerns head-on.”

For more information on the task force, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.