June 22, 1999, marks a powerful moment in disability rights history. On that day, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision in Olmstead v. L.C. that changed lives. It said that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities – not institutions.
But this victory didn’t happen on its own. It happened because two brave women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, stood up and spoke out. They were self-advocates who had been kept in institutions in Georgia, even though doctors agreed they could live in the community. With the help of legal advocates, they took their case all the way to the Supreme Court—and won.
At Values Into Action, we honor Lois and Elaine’s courage. Their voices helped shape the future of disability services in America. For over 20 years, we’ve been proud to follow the path they helped create.
What the Olmstead Decision Means
The Court ruled that keeping people with disabilities in institutions when they could live in the community was discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This decision gave people more power to choose where and how they live. It also pushed states and service providers to create more community-based options. That’s where we come in.
Our Journey Since Olmstead
Since our founding, Values Into Action has been committed to supporting people with disabilities to live full, self-determined lives. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in listening, partnering, and helping people reach their own goals—just like Lois and Elaine fought for.
The Olmstead decision gave legal strength to what we’ve always believed: that people with disabilities should have the same rights and choices as everyone else.
Looking Ahead
Twenty-five years later, we celebrate how far we’ve come, but we also know the work isn’t done. Many people still face barriers to living the lives they choose. That’s why we encourage members of our community to share their stories with elected officials. Through education, we can help to inform policies and funding for community-based services.
Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson showed us what’s possible when people speak up for their rights. At Values Into Action, we’re proud to carry their legacy forward—every day, with every person we support.