10 years ago the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Olmstead v. L.C. decision. which changed the lives of not only the 2 woman in the law suit but effected the lives of hundreds of thousands of disabled persons all over most of the United Stated.
This landmark case signifies a very powerful movement within the larger Civil Rights Movement - that of disability rights. The case, Olmstead v. L.C. and E.W., began in Georgia because two women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, spent most of their lives in a segregated institution, even though treating professionals determined they didn't need to be there. Ms. Curtis and Ms. Wilson wanted to live in the community and this was their right. All they needed were appropriate community-based services. The Court agreed and ruled in their favor.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision that upholds the Americans with Disabilities Act requirement that states serve people with disabilities in community settings, rather than segregated institutions. To commemorate the decision, several "Long Road Home" celebrations are planned and they begin here, in Bainbridge on June 16th.
Bainbridge, GA celebration: This celebration will be on June 16th at the Willis Park Gazebo from 1-2 p.m. The event will include a Long Road Home March, a prayer and pledge, music, a discussion regarding Life in a Nursing Facility vs. Life in the Community, and a candlelight vigil. For more information, please contact BAIN, Inc. at (229) 246-0150.
Savannah, GA celebration: This event will occur on June 17th at Georgia Regional Hospital, 1915 Eisenhower Drive, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lynette Bragg will moderate and introduce speakers, including Sue Jamieson (Atlanta Legal Aid Society, and Olmstead plaintiffs’ attorney), Denise McClain (Division Olmstead Coordinator, Case Expediter Coordinator, and Interstate Compact Coordinator), and Catherine Ivy (DCH Long Term Care Director). For more information, please contact Bob Habas at (912) 920-2314.
Columbus, GA celebration: This event will occur on June 18th at the Government Center Plaza at 11 a.m. This event is sponsored by the Columbus State University Office of Disability Services, Muscogee County Navigator Team, and the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities. For more information, please contact (706) 565-3628.
Milledgeville, GA celebration: This event will occur on June 19th at Central State Hospital in the Auditorium from 2-5 p.m. The event will include speakers, entertainment, and a dance and DJ. This event is sponsored by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. For more information, please contact (404) 687-9891.
Atlanta/Decatur, GA celebration: There will be two Atlanta area events, both on June 21st. The first will take place in Downtown Decatur in the Decatur Square Bandstand from 1-2:30 p.m. This event will include speakers and entertainment. The second event will be held at Georgia Regional Hospital, 3073 Panthersville, Rd. from 4-5:30 p.m. The event will include speakers, entertainment, and art by Lois Curtis. For more information, please contact Yvette Sangster at (404) 885-1234.
Capitol celebration: The final event will be held on June 22nd at the State Capitol of Georgia. The event will include several speakers, including: Representative John Lewis (D-GA); Senator Nan Orrock (State Senator, District 36); Sue Jamieson (Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Olmstead plaintiff’s attorney); Lois Curtis (artist, self advocate, and Olmstead plaintiff); Ellen Yeager (Mental Health America); Cynthia Wainscott (Mental Health America); and Sherrie Jenkins-Tucker (Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network). The event will include entertainment and an Artists’ Gallery featuring the works of individuals with disabilities. On display will also be the Mental Health Bell, which was cast from shackles that once bound people with mental illness living in asylums. We will invite individuals in the crowd to take the podium, tell their stories, and ring the bell of freedom. For more information, contact Jenny Holland at (404) 885-1234.
