06/22/2026
27 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that disabled people have the right to receive care in their homes & communities instead of being forced into institutions. But almost 3 decades later, that promise remains unfulfilled--but that is not a reason to go back. That is a reason to *move forward* a fulfill *the promise of Olmstead.* This promise is for all disabled people. Including disabled people with the most needs.
ALT text: Slide 1: A light purple graphic features two photos of Elaine Wilson and Lois Curtis at the top. The text says: “June 22nd, 1999” and “The Unfulfilled Promise of Olmstead v. L.C.” Below the title is a black-and-white image of a community with multiple labels that say “I am Olmstead.” The NDS logo appears in the top center and right side of the graphic.
Slide 2: A light purple graphic with dark purple text says: “27 years ago today, the Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C ruled that segregating disabled folks in institutions is a form of unlawful discrimination. The 2 plaintiffs in this case were Elaine Wilson (left) and Lois Curtis (right). Both from Georgia.” The source reads: “Source: The Washington Post and SWSP Austin.” At the bottom is a photo of Elaine Wilson and Lois Curtis. The NDS logo appears in the bottom left corner.
Slide 3: A black-and-white photo shows disability rights activists holding protest signs. The text says: “What Olmstead should have done was set a standard that would guarantee in-home care for disabled people nationwide.” A source line at the top reads: “Source: Still Racing in the Street on WordPress.com.” Visible protest signs include “Free Our People” and “Real Homes Not Group Homes.”
Slide 4: A light purple graphic with dark purple text says: “Instead, 27 years later, the promise of Olmstead remains unfulfilled, and we are in a care economy crisis. Nearly 700,000 people nationwide are currently waiting for Medicaid waivers that would guarantee them the care they need without having to live in nursing homes and institutions. 75% of those on waiting lists are in the South.” The source reads: “Source: Kaiser Family Foundation.” Along the bottom is a black-and-white image of a community with several labels that say “I am Olmstead.” The NDS logo appears in the top right corner.
Slide 5: A light purple graphic with dark purple text says: “To make matters worse, we already face a nationwide care worker shortage because these essential workers are often not paid a living wage. Now, proposed federal cuts through the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ could place even greater strain on Medicaid-funded home and community-based services, leading to longer waitlists and fewer supports. States can step up by investing in these services, reducing waitlists, and paying care workers wages that reflect the value of their work. For millions of disabled people, these services make community living possible.” At the bottom are photos of disability rights advocates holding signs, including one that says “Medicaid Cuts Are Community Cuts.” The NDS logo appears near the bottom left.
Slide 6: A light purple graphic with dark purple text says: “Twenty-seven years after Olmstead, disabled people are still waiting for a promise that should have been kept long ago. And now, must fight the threats being made by the Trump administration. It's time to finish the work. .” Below the text is a large banner that reads: “Disabled People’s Liberation Front.” In the lower left corner, a wheelchair user holds a sign that says: “Proud to Be a Person With a Disability.” The NDS logo appears in the bottom right corner.
