From WTVQ in Kentucky. The group is celebrating the 1999 Olmstead decision, which affirmed the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities rather than institutions.It's been 10 years since a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision changed how the disabled are treated. The nation's highest court ruled in 1999 that unjustified isolation of a disabled person is discrimination.
Advocates for the disabled hailed that ruling as a "source of hope for thousands" May 8 as they gathered with some of their clients to mark the anniversary. The ruling was a catalyst for moving people who are mentally ill out of institutions and in to community settings.
"To some degree it was a dumping ground," Kentucky Division of Protection and Advocacy Director Martha Hockensmith said of institutions prior to the ruling. The advocates have pushed to move mentally disabled folks out of psychiatric institutions, intermediate care facilities and nursing homes.
Five disabled people who have moved from institutionalization to supported community living told their stories at the May 8 celebration.To hear more about one woman's move from a psychiatric hospital to a residence, where there is around the clock staff support, click on the video story, "Disabled and Advocates Mark Ten Year Anniversary."
