Today marks the 27th anniversary of Olmstead v. Lois Curtis, the landmark 1999 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in the community.
Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, two women with mental health and developmental disabilities, sued the state of Georgia after being forced to live in a state-run institution. Their case made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Lois and Elaine ultimately won. Our work would not be possible without the advocacy of Lois and Elaine.
As we honor their legacy and the anniversary of this historic ruling, we are reminded that there is still so much work to do to ensure that all people with disabilities have access to affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing. In fact, last Thursday, the Department of Justice published an opinion memo that undermines the ruling. This memo, although a threat to Olmstead, does not reverse it. People with disabilities still have the right to live where they want, and to receive services in the community of their choice.
Will you join us in defending and building a disability-forward housing future?
Video Transcript
Allie: Our mission at The Kelsey is to build a disability-forward housing future, where affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing is available to all people with and without disabilities.
Anna: This work would not be possible without the Olmstead v. Lois Curtis decision.
Kyle: The decision was a landmark ruling in the 1999 United States Supreme Court.
Brittney: It affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live and receive care in the community, rather than in institutions.
Allie: Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, two women with mental health and developmental disabilities, sued the state of Georgia after being forced to live in a state-run institution.
Doug: Their case made it all the way to the US Supreme Court, where Lois and Elaine ultimately won.
Brittney: The Olmstead v. Lois Curtis decision declared that people with disabilities
Kyle: Have the right to decide where they live,
Anna: The right to decide what their future holds,
Doug: And that people with disabilities belong in community.
Brittney: And although people with disabilities have the right to live where they want, we still have a long way to go before that right becomes a reality.
Allie: So, when we advocate for programs that support community living,
Anna: Or give people a look into what an inclusive community looks like,
Doug: Or when we’re on the ground, supporting the residents who live in these homes,
Kyle: We remember how Lois and Elaine’s advocacy paved the way for the work that we do and the inclusive communities we create.
Allie: Will you join us in expanding access and inclusion for all?
(Music)
Cue card: Together, we can build an inclusive housing future. Join us. thekelsey.org