California Foundation for Independent Living and the Westside Center for Independent Living are pleased to have the opportunity to implement a comprehensive plan to support the mandate of the Olmstead decision and promote transition to community living for people with disabilities.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding in the amount $249,233 will be used to provide Technical Assistance and Training to organizations interested in becoming a Lead Organization of California's Community Transitions program November 1, 2009 to September 30, 2011.

The goals of this collaborative are twofold;

• To enhance the capacity of Independent Living Centers and disability organizations to implement deinstitutionalization/diversion services and advocacy through mentoring, training and technical assistance

• To increase the number of individuals with disabilities who move from institutional to community settings and to ensure those “at risk” of institutionalization are able to remain in the community.

Primary components of this collaborative to reach that goal will include

CFILC

• Needs assessment to target specific areas for training and consultation
• Establish an statewide Olmstead list serve
• Develop and maintain Olmstead website
• Organize logistics for trainings statewide
• Evaluate effectiveness of the DOR Transition Funds
• Outreach to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other providers
• Development and dissemination of Olmstead promotional materials  

WCIL

• Conduct ILC and disability organization assessments of current capacity to fully implement a diversion/deinstitutionalization project, CCT, and Medi-Cal billing
• Develop corresponding individualized capacity plans
• Provide technical assistance and mentoring on technical areas guiding them through capacity-building phases
• Develop a Transition Toolkit
• Training on effective strategies for implementing all components needed for Olmstead-related programs