The 1999 Olmstead Decision affirmed that separating people with disabilities from community life, when such separation is unnecessary, constitutes discrimination under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Following this landmark ruling, states across the nation, including Iowa began developing plans to support community integration. Olmstead plans outline how state agencies will expand opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. Iowa’s Olmstead focus areas have helped drive key systems-change efforts and have resulted in these Key Systems Change Initiatives. (192.27 KB) .pdf
Iowa's Olmstead Plan
Iowa’s Olmstead Plan outlines the state’s commitment to ensuring people with disabilities can live, learn, work, and participate fully in their communities. The plan strengthens access to integrated, community‑based supports that promote independence and inclusion.
Published on March 20, 2026, the updated 2026–2031 Olmstead Plan reflects extensive input from Iowans, community members and key partners. It provides a clear roadmap for expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live near family and friends, work in competitive integrated jobs, learn in inclusive settings, and engage in community life with the support they need.
Additional resources and the full plan are available below.
Increase the number of children who receive developmental screening and are connected with wellbeing resources and services.
Percent of children 9-35 months whose parent completed a standardized developmental screening tool in the past 12 months.
Percent of children (0-17) who had difficulties getting or were unable to get referrals to needed providers or services.
Increase access to employment opportunities and stable employment for those with disabilities.
Percent of working aged people with disabilities not employed or who have had a reduction in hours.
Increase the number of affordable and stable housing and transportation options (for those experiencing disability).
Percent of children, ages 0-11, who experienced housing instability in the past year.
Percent of adults who could not pay mortgage, rent, utility bill and some time in the past 12 months.
Percent of adults from whom a lack of reliable transportation kept them from medical appointments, meetings, work or other needs for daily living in past 12 months.
Increase community connections and support of socially isolated individuals.
Percent of adults who reported they always, usually or sometimes feel lonely.
Percent of adults who reported they do not receive the social and emotional support they need.
Iowa’s DD Council was made by a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. This group advocates for Iowans with disabilities so they can live and be part of their community. The Council is made up of volunteers appointed by the Governor to make good changes in Iowa to make the lives of Iowans with developmental disabilities better.
The Conner Training Connection’s mission is to support Iowans with disabilities to live as fully participating members of their communities through the provision of training resources and technical assistance to individuals, their family members and service providers, and other disability advocates.
The Olmstead Consumer Taskforce is a statewide advocacy group charged by Executive Order to monitor Iowa’s response to the 1999 Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision. The activities of the Taskforce support the full inclusion of people with disabilities in housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, and other areas to promote the full inclusion of individuals in all aspects of life in the community.
Money Follows the Person (MFP) provides opportunities for individuals in Iowa to move out of Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID) and into their own homes in the community of their choice. Individuals living in nursing facilities, Psychiatric Mental Institutes for Children (PMIC) and inpatient hospital settings may also qualify.
The Woodward Resource Center (WRC) Center of Excellence (CoE) is a team of clinical experts within the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They provide support to individuals receiving Medicaid services that may need additional resources and/or training. Providing supports to families, provider agencies and healthcare professionals across Iowa.
A Disability Access Point (DAP) is a local place that helps people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers find the services and support they need - both short-term and long-term.
Iowa’s redefined Behavioral Health Service System combines mental health and substance use services into one system to help make it easier for providers to help Iowans get the care they need, no matter where they go for help.
