The New Freedom Initiative: a flag with silhouettes of buildings, which from left to right represent urban living, single homes for suburban living, and a farm house and silo to represent rural communities.

Fulfilling the Promise of Community Living
Sponsored by
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES

Renaissance Harborplace • Baltimore, MD
March 25 - 26, 2002

Workshop Presentations

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city scape: New York with Central Park in the foregroundThe second annual Systems Change Grant Conference fulfilled expectations, bringing together 590 participants from 40 states and Guam for two full days of informative plenary sessions and workshops highlighting federal policies and innovative programs implemented by states for creating integrated community living for people of all ages living with disabilities.

Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Claude Allen announced that HHS had just delivered to President Bush the report mandated by the New Freedom Initiative. "Delivering on the Promise", the compilation of nine individual federal Agency Reports of Actions to eliminate barriers and promote community integration was shared with participants. Consumers, caregivers, service providers and policy makers provided informed perspectives in other plenary sessions and workshops. Representatives from seven federal Departments presented information on their New Freedom Initiative activities.suburban homes: three houses next to each other According to conference participants, the most enlightening conference sessions were dedicated to information sharing. Grantees and health policy program developers provided information on the successful implementation of policies and practices in their states, allowing participants an opportunity to understand the infrastructure necessary to support community-based programs. Closing remarks on future directions in community-based alternatives presented a more promising future for people with disabilities.

a large farm with a field of corn in the foregroundNOTE: This Web site will be available to present relevant conference information until May 31, 2002. Please follow the links for workshop presentations and post-conference materials.