Lauren Clark

Today, January 23, we celebrate a leader and activist in the Disability Rights Movement and "Father of Independent Living," Ed Roberts. Ed aimed to tear down the barriers that prevented people with disabilities from exercising their rights to be integrated into society. His persistent and successful advocacy led to a number of improvements in disabled college student admissions, disability services, and accessibility on campus and beyond. Ed was responsible for opening the nations first Independent Living Center and helped create the World Institute on Disability. We honor Ed and his memory by continuing his work to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. #EdRobertsDay #EdRoberts #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityRights #IndependentLiving

Tomorrow is World Braille Day, a reminder of the importance of Braille, a tactile writing system made of raised dots that can be read by passing the fingers lightly over the page. Braille is both a means of communication and a tool for independence for people who are blind or have low vision. World Braille Day is recognized on January 4th, the birthday of Braille inventor Louis Braille, who created the system for his own needs as a blind person. Accessibility means incorporating Braille into essential services. DRC will continue to work to make workplaces and community spaces more accessible for everyone. Learn more about World Braille Day here: un.org/en/observances/braill…

Today, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Supreme Court Olmstead decision, which transformed the rights of individuals with disabilities. The decision established that keeping people with disabilities in institutions without justification is illegal discrimination.
 The story of the Olmstead case begins with Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, two individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, who were voluntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit in the State-run Georgia Regional Hospital. Following treatment, mental health professionals stated that they were ready to move to a community-based program. However, the women remained confined in the institution for several years after the initial treatment was concluded. They filed suit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for release from the hospital.
 On June 22, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C. The decision determined that keeping people with disabilities separate from others in the community without reason is discrimination under the ADA. The court decided that people with disabilities have the right to get state-funded support and services in the community rather than institutions.   This decision was monumental in helping establish the rights of disabled individuals to live and receive services in integrated settings, enabling millions of people with disabilities to live, work, and receive services in their own homes and communities.

As we review the May 2024 budget revision, we are deeply disappointed to see the elimination of crucial support systems, particularly In-Home Supportive Services for undocumented Californians. This decision places vulnerable community members who rely on these services for daily care and well-being at risk. We must work towards solutions that prioritize compassion, equity, and fiscal responsibility. It is imperative to support all members of our society, regardless of immigration status or financial circumstances, to foster an inclusive and fair community. Read our full statement here: disabilityrightsca.org/lates…

Today marks 33 years since the signing of the ADA, signed into law to ensure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Today we celebrate this landmark bill. Read our ADA feature: disabilityrightsca.org/lates…