    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 25 (Monday, June 28, 1999)]
    [Page 1170]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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 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.