    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [June 22, 1999]
    [Pages 993-994]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Supreme Court Decision on the Americans with
    Disabilities Act
    June 22, 1999

        I am pleased that the Supreme Court decision's in the Olmstead case
    upholds the purposes of the ADA by recognizing that unjustified
    isolation of institutionalized persons with disabilities is prohibited
    discrimination. This decision will increase access to home- and
    community-based long-term care services and support for these persons.
        My administration is committed to finding affordable ways to enable
    people who need long-term services and support to remain in the
    community if they choose and are able to do so. The best way to continue
    progress toward this goal is for State governments, the Federal
    Government, and the affected communities to work

    [[Page 994]]

    together to develop cost-effective ways to provide these services. We
    must ensure that the quality of these services is excellent and that
    they are available to persons with disabilities of all ages.
        Therefore, I am asking Secretary Shalala and Attorney General Reno to work
    with all interested parties to carry out today's decision in a fair and
    effective manner. Although this may not be easy in some cases, we can do
    it by working together in order to advance the goals of the ADA. Our
    ultimate goal is a nation that integrates people with disabilities into
    the social mainstream, promotes equality of opportunity, and maximizes
    individual choice.