As we, as a nation, mourn the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, National Disability Institute celebrates her life and many contributions to disability rights and inclusion.
In one of the most important disability rights decisions ever considered by the U.S. Supreme Court – Olmstead v. L.C. – Justice Ginsburg wrote, in her affirmation, that the institutionalization of people with disabilities perpetuates stereotypes that they are “incapable or unworthy of participating in community life.” The Olmstead decision not only gave people with disabilities the right to live in the community of their choice, but to also receive the services and supports to help them thrive as members of that community, no longer disenfranchised or isolated, but fully included.
We can think of no better way to honor Justice Ginsburg’s legacy than to rededicate ourselves to the financial inclusion of people with disabilities so that they can be full participants in all aspects of our society, our economy and our country.
