Independent Perspective 1755 with Ryan Brehmer on the ILNC Olmstead Day Celebration.   

Host: Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Ryan Brehmer, Office Administrator of Independent Living of Niagara County (ILNC), and I'm your host Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Ryan. 

Guest: Thanks for having me, Ernie. 

Host: It's our pleasure. You're here because your agency is having a special observance coming up in the near future called Olmstead Day, and it has nothing to do with Niagara Falls State Park, which is of course an Olmsted Park. But it has to do with an important decision for people with disabilities by the Supreme Court, what can you tell us about the Olmstead decision? 

Guest: The Olmstead decision was rendered just about 25 years ago, next year will actually be the 25th anniversary. The essence of that decision stated that it is not allowable to segregate persons with disabilities for any reason. So, in the Olmsted decision itself, there were a group of women who were confined to an institution, even though their care providers determined that they should be able to live independently, the state of Georgia wanted to keep them confined for whatever reason. They sued, and they won. And from that decision came the very, very firm commitment to go along with the ADA, that persons with disabilities who have no need to be treated differently, are not treated differently. 

Host: Isn't the usual phrase that you hear made about that, that people with disabilities must be allowed to live in the least restrictive environment under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? 

Guest: That's exactly right. The court held that public entities must provide community-based services to persons with disabilities when such services are appropriate. When the affected persons do not oppose community-based treatment. And when community-based services can be reasonably accommodated. 

Host: And something which should interest our listeners, being able to serve individuals with disabilities in their own homes as compared to an institution usually means a fraction of the cost to the taxpayer, does it not? 

Guest: Indeed, one of the best things from the economic perspective about independent living centers is that it does cost less for people to age in place, for people with disabilities to live in their own homes, as opposed to the much more expensive option of putting them into state-run institutions. 

Host: And I believe you have some special activities for the date in question and if you could mention the date and place, please. 

Guest: It will be at 746 Portage Rd. at the ILNC main office. And it'll be on July 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We'll be having games, some trivia like we did last year. We'll be having some additional activities. All of us will be out there with literature, we'll be able to answer questions about the programs that Independent Living in Niagara County is able to offer to others in the disabled community. And there will be food. We're still working out the details but leaning towards some famous Niagara Falls pizza and perhaps some sub sandwiches of some kind. 

Host: So, although some of our listeners may know that the main office WNYIL as well as your sister agency, Independent Living of the Genesee Region are have had their own celebrations on the anniversary of the ADA signing, you kind of got one up on them by doing it over a week sooner or so, I'm sure people will have questions, where can they call you to reach more information? 

Guest: They may call 716-284-4131 and they can ask for me. 

Host: And your extension? 

Guest: 217. 

Host: Perfect, thanks so much for being with us, Ryan. 

Guest: Thanks again for having me, Ernie. 

Host: It's our pleasure. You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Ryan Brehmer, Office Administrator of ILNC. And I've been your host Ernie Churchwell.