Sen. Gardner Statement on Anniversary of Supreme Court Ruling on Disability Rights

WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement on the 21st anniversary of the United States Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. decision, which held that individuals living with disabilities have the right to care in the community that fits their needs. Gardner is the lead Republican in the U.S. Senate on the Disability Integration Act, a bipartisan bill which affirms the rights of people with disabilities and seniors to live in freedom, rather than be forced into unwanted institutionalization. It would require states and insurance providers who pay for institutional placement to also offer long term services and supports in the community.

"Individuals with disabilities should have the right to live in the setting that best fits their needs and allows them to live as independently as possible in their community. Today's anniversary of the Olmstead v. L.C. decision underscores that there is more work to be done, and I am proud to champion the bipartisan Disability Integration Act that will help ensure individuals living with disabilities are provided the flexibility to live how they choose," said Senator Gardner. "This flexibility is more important than ever as COVID-19 continues to have a devastating impact on residents of nursing homes and other similar facilities."

"The Disability Integration Act builds on the historic Olmstead v. Lois Curtis decision and significantly advances the right of people with disabilities to be integrated in society," said Dawn Russell, an organizer with Atlantis ADAPT in Denver, Colorado. "Today, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ever-increasing institutional death toll, the legislation has become even more important as people's lives literally hang in the balance. ADAPT appreciates Senator Gardner's leadership on this issue as we work together to Free Our People!"

In January ADAPT awarded Gardner with a certificate in recognition of his support for the Disability Integration Act and commitment to the civil rights, freedom, and liberation of people with disabilities.