WHEREAS, the State of South Carolina is committed to providing community-based alternatives for persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities and recognizes that such services advance the best interest of all South Carolinians; and

WHEREAS, South Carolina is committed to providing community-based services that effectively foster independence and acceptance of persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, programs such as home and community-based services provide the opportunity for persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to live productive lives in their own communities; and

WHEREAS, as Governor of the State of South Carolina, I am committed to ensuring access to care and the provision of services to persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and

WHEREAS, South Carolina must build upon its many successes and undertake a broader review of our programs for persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities and ensure services are offered in the most appropriate setting.

NOW, THEREFORE, I do hereby establish the South Carolina Home and Community-Based Services Task Force. The objective of the Task Force shall be to develop a comprehensive, effective, working plan as recommended by the United States Supreme Court in its recent decision in Olmstead v. LC., 119 S.Ct. 2176 (1999). The Task Force shall.

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of all services and support systems available to persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities in South Carolina. This review shall analyze the availability, application, and efficacy of existing community-based alternatives for persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. The review shall focus on identifying affected populations, improving the flow of information about support services in the community, and removing barriers that impede opportunities for community inclusion.

2. The Task Force shall ensure the involvement of consumers, parents of consumers, advocates, providers and relevant agency representatives in developing the plan.

3. Submit a comprehensive written report of its findings to the Governor no later than June 29, 2001. The report will include specific recommendations on how South Carolina can improve its services for persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities by legislative, administrative, or agency action.

4. The plan shall contain a timeline for implementation.

5. All affected agencies and other public entities shall cooperate fully with the Task Force research, analysis and production of the report.

6. The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council shall provide staff support as necessary to assist the Task Force in carrying out the directives of this Executive Order.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 2nd DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2000.

JIM HODGES
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:23 A.M.