The Olmstead decision (1999) is associated with which principle?

The Olmstead decision (1999) is associated with which principle?

• A. Upheld the ADA and requires that people with mental disabilities be treated in the least restrictive, appropriate setting.
• B. Deregulated disability rights protections.
• C. Expanded employee-only disability protections.
• D. Eliminated the concept of least restrictive settings.

Answer: (A)

The Olmstead decision centers on the principle of providing services in the least restrictive, most integrated setting. The ruling holds that unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities, including those with mental disabilities, is a form of discrimination under the ADA. When appropriate, states must move away from long-term institutional placement and provide community-based services that allow individuals to live and receive support in less restrictive environments. This sets the standard that services should be integrated into the community whenever feasible and effective, reinforcing deinstitutionalization and choice in living arrangements. The other options describe ideas not aligned with the Olmstead ruling, such as deregulation, only expanding protections for employees, or eliminating the concept of least restrictive settings.

The Olmstead decision centers on the principle of providing services in the least restrictive, most integrated setting. The ruling holds that unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities, including those with mental disabilities, is a form of discrimination under the ADA. When appropriate, states must move away from long-term institutional placement and provide community-based services that allow individuals to live and receive support in less restrictive environments. This sets the standard that services should be integrated into the community whenever feasible and effective, reinforcing deinstitutionalization and choice in living arrangements. The other options describe ideas not aligned with the Olmstead ruling, such as deregulation, only expanding protections for employees, or eliminating the concept of least restrictive settings.