By: Jennifer LaFleur
President Barack Obama announced today measures to increase the ability of people with disabilities to live at home, rather than in institutions.
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C. [1], which said that making services for disabled people available only in institutions and not at home violated the Americans with Disabilities Act [2]. Scant progress has been made toward that goal, and disability advocates have been disappointed that the issue has not thus far figured in the administration’s health care reform plans.
“The Olmstead ruling was a critical step forward for our nation, articulating one of the most fundamental rights of Americans with disabilities: Having the choice to live independently,” President Obama said in a statement [3] intended to kick off what he termed “The Year of Community Living.”
“I am proud to launch this initiative to reaffirm my Administration’s commitment to vigorous enforcement of civil rights for Americans with disabilities and to ensuring the fullest inclusion of all people in the life of our nation,” Obama said.
