How should Columbia accommodate the mentally impaired?

On July 23, the U.S. Department of Justice revised accessibility regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act to require more accessibility in both public and recreational facilities.

The revisions won't take effect until next year, but Columbia is already thinking ahead. According to a previous Missourian report, the city wants public input on how to implement the changes.

However, it is unclear whether the act regulates how the city must assist the mentally impaired. The act's definition of "disability" includes individuals with mental impairment, but issues that are of priority to these individuals — such as finding housing and medical treatments — are not specifically mentioned in the original 1991 act or its 2010 revisions. Some private community-based organizations already seek to help individuals with mental impairments.

Should Columbia include accommodations for the mentally impaired in its ADA transition plan?

Source with live links included in the original article:
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2010/09/08/todays-question-should-columbia-better-accommodate-mentally-impaired/#c

Rights of People with Intellectual Disabilties, Summary Report: Access to Education and Employment
Civil Rights and Human Dignity: Three Decades of Leadership in Advocacy for People with Mental Disabilties