Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
25th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision
WHEREAS, on June 22, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court rendered the landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C., affirming the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities instead of institutions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and
WHEREAS, the Olmstead decision has been instrumental in advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities by requiring states to ensure services are provided in the most integrated setting that are appropriate to individuals’ needs and are consistent with their choice; and
WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities, their families, and disability rights advocates have tirelessly championed the cause of community integration so that individuals with disabilities can live in their own communities, with opportunities to learn and work, surrounded by families and friends; and
WHEREAS, the ADA, enacted in 1990, significantly improved access to businesses, public spaces, transportation, communication, and employment, protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the promise of Olmstead remains a beacon for true inclusion and the 25th anniversary of Olmstead provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made, acknowledge challenges faced, and recommit to the vision of an inclusive society; and
WHEREAS, we honor the legacy of Olmstead and pledge to build a more inclusive and accessible future for all individuals with physical and mental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, this proclamation serves as a testament to the enduring significance of Olmstead and our collective responsibility to uphold its principles;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize June 22, 2024, as the 25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLMSTEAD DECISION in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.