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27 Years of Olmstead: People With Disabilities Belong in the Community

What is Olmstead? A plain language overview

• On this day in 1999, the Supreme Court made an important decision in disability law. The court case is called Olmstead vs. L.C.
• The Supreme Court sided with two disabled women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson. Lois and Elaine lived in institutional settings for many years. However, they did not want to live there. They wanted to live in the community. The state did not want to help them leave institutional settings.
• The Supreme Court decided that disabled people should not live in segregated settings. Disabled people should live in the least restricted setting that supports their needs.
• The Olmstead decision affirmed the integration mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Olmstead transformed how people get home and community-based services.

We celebrate this important anniversary with resources and information for you!

Resources related to Olmstead and enhancing community living access

Report: Olmstead’s Effects on Housing Affordability, Supportive Housing, and Home- and Community-Based Services: A Three-State Study

Research Brief: Home and Community-Based Services Improve Outcomes While Reducing Costs

Policy Resource: Money Follows the Person: Promoting Freedom, State Innovation, & Cost Savings

Research Brief: Circles of Care: Home and Community-Based Services Supports for People of Color with Disabilities Leaving Institutional Settings

Research Brief: Systemic Barriers to Community Living Experienced by People of Color in Institutional Settings

Webinar Summary: Money Follows the Person: History, Function, and Case Studies

Webinar: Olmstead 25th Anniversary Panel: The Progress and Promise of the Olmstead Decision