Olmstead Decision

The Olmstead Decision, issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1999, ruled that individuals with disabilities have the right to live in the community rather than being forcibly institutionalized. This decision reinforced the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by affirming that segregation of people with disabilities is considered discrimination. It emphasized that states must provide services in the most integrated setting appropriate for these individuals, promoting their independence and inclusion in society. The ruling is significant for advocating the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.