North Dakota Olmstead Commission

08/13/2026

The Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act would strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to expand the supply of affordable, accessible housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

VITAL Act would increase Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and prioritize accessible units for seniors and people with disabilities

08/12/2026

The Supreme Court's Olmstead decision affirmed that individuals with disabilities have the right to live, learn, work, and participate in their communities, not be unnecessarily segregated or isolated.

That principle begins in our schools.

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) recognizes that students with disabilities should have the opportunity to learn alongside their peers, with the supports they need to succeed.

Whether it's a student learning in an inclusive classroom or an adult choosing where to live, work, and build relationships, the message is the same: People belong in their communities, where they can be included, connected, and supported.

08/12/2026

As we focus on back-to-school season, it’s important to remember that every student deserves access to a quality education, meaningful support, and the opportunity to succeed. Strong education oversight, funding, and accountability are essential to ensuring students with disabilities have the services and protections they need to learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers.

08/12/2026

Have you explored LaunchMyLifeND.com?

Build your self-advocacy skills with Launch My Life ND!

Have you explored LaunchMyLifeND.com? This resource is designed for people with disabilities who are preparing for life after high school, as well as families, educators, and others who support them.

This month, Launch My Life ND is highlighting self-advocacy and self-determination, both of which are important skills that help people with disabilities make choices, communicate what they want and need, understand their rights, and have a voice in decisions about their own lives.

Explore helpful information, videos, and resources covering topics like self-advocacy, supported decision-making, and more.

Visit the Self-Advocacy resources: https://launchmylifend.com/self-advocacy/

Everyone deserves to have a voice in their own life. Help spread the word by sharing this resource with people with disabilities, families, educators, and community partners!

08/10/2026

MYTH: The Olmstead decision only affects adults living in institutions.

FACT: Olmstead is about the broader right of people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and participate in their communities. The principles of belonging, inclusion, and participation that begin in the classroom carry forward throughout every stage of life.

08/10/2026

A change in legal language out of Washington has raised concerns among disability advocates in ND, who warn that it could eventually put essential home- and community-based services at risk for individuals with disabilities.

A shift in legal wording out of Washington has North Dakota disability advocates urging caution, warning it could eventually threaten the services that keep thousands of vulnerable residents living in their own homes. MORE: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/08/07/nd-disability-advocates-fear-sliding-backward-institutional-care-over-federal-memo/

08/08/2026

Whether you're a teacher, student, parent, or community member, you can help build a more inclusive school by using respectful language, including everyone in activities and conversations, celebrating different strengths and abilities, standing up against bullying and exclusion, and creating opportunities where every student can learn, participate, and succeed.

08/07/2026

Every student deserves the opportunity to learn alongside their peers with the supports they need to succeed.

That same principle should continue into adulthood, where individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live, work, and participate in their communities.

08/07/2026

The 2026 Olmstead Conference was filled with meaningful conversations, valuable learning, and a shared commitment to inclusion and independence. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and shared their knowledge and experiences to help advance opportunities for individuals with disabilities across North Dakota.

A special thank you to our sponsors and vendors for your generous support and participation. Your partnership helped make this event possible, and we are grateful for your commitment to promoting inclusion, independence, and community living.

08/05/2026

What does inclusion mean? Inclusion means more than just being there. It means being part of it.

It means having the opportunity to participate, build relationships, make choices, access opportunities, and belong.