DHHS Invites Participation in Olmstead Community Forums

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Monday announced dates for a series of forums designed to improve MaineCare services for people with disabilities.

Olmstead is a 1999 Supreme Court decision that requires states to provide individuals with disabilities options to receive services in the most community-like setting possible. Maine is updating its Olmstead Roadmap, which identifies core values, related to being connected to local communities, that drive Maine's long term services and supports system. "DHHS encourages families and providers to participate in these forums in order to improve services for disabled Mainers," said Ricker Hamilton, Deputy Commissioner of Programs for Maine DHHS. "Community-based programs allow disabled Mainers to stay in their homes, and their voices, along with the voices of those who care for them, need to be heard if we are to provide the best services possible through MaineCare."

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking feedback from MaineCare recipients, family members, providers, and other interested parties as we define the updated Roadmap. DHHS would like to know what is needed in local communities to support people remaining in their homes and meaningfully connected with their communities in lieu of institutional care.

When

Where

Address

August 4, 2015 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Department of Health and Human Services

19 Union Street, Rm. 110

Augusta, ME

August 5, 2015

1:00 - 3:00 PM

Scarborough Town Hall

259 U.S. Route 1

Scarborough, ME

August 6, 2015

1:00 - 3:00 PM

Payne Homestead

14 Atlantic Avenue

Vinalhaven, ME

August 10, 2015

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Moore Community Center

5 General Moore Way

(125 State Street)

Ellsworth, ME

August 11, 2015

1:00 - 3:00 PM

Seniors Plus

8 Falcon Road

Lewiston, ME

August 12, 2015

1:00 - 3:00 PM

Department of Health and Human Services - Caribou

30 Skyway Drive, Unit 100

Caribou, ME

For questions regarding the forums, please contact Nicole Rooney at 207.287.9221 or email nicole.rooney@maine.gov.

Speaking Up for Us 225 Western Avenue, Suite 4 Augusta, ME 04330