[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.