#developmental-disabilities — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #developmental-disabilities, aggregated by home.social.
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I love how our weekly update meetings now have "Fires" as a topic, so we can plan for suddenly needing to find respite providers for any clients living in an evacuation area. #Colorado #DevelopmentalDisabilities
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Medicaid Withholds More Than $1 Billion From California and Minnesota Over Fraud Concerns
The Trump administration has paused more than $1 billion in federal Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, citing suspected fraud, questionable billing patterns and compliance concerns.
According to a report from Disability Scoop, the decision is drawing concern because some of the funding supports home- and community-based programs used by people with developmental disabilities, older adults and others who need help living outside institutional settings.
How much Medicaid funding is being withheld?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is deferring approximately:
- $867.5 million in federal Medicaid payments to California
- $199 million in payments to Minnesota
Together, the deferred payments total about $1.07 billion.
Federal officials said the states must provide documentation demonstrating that the spending complies with Medicaid requirements before the money is released.
It is important to note that the payments are currently being deferred—not permanently eliminated. The states may recover the money if CMS determines that the underlying claims are valid. The action does not immediately change Medicaid eligibility or benefits, according to Reuters.
Why did CMS pause the payments?
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said federal reviews uncovered data irregularities and unusual billing patterns.
In California, officials are examining rapid spending growth involving in-home services. California leaders argue that these programs allow older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their communities instead of moving into more expensive nursing facilities.
Minnesota’s deferred funding involves 14 service areas previously identified as having elevated fraud risks. Earlier in 2026, CMS also deferred $259.5 million in Minnesota Medicaid funding while reviewing claims involving personal care, home- and community-based services and other practitioners. CMS said states have an opportunity to submit documentation supporting questioned expenses.
Federal officials cited anomalies and potentially improper payments but had not publicly presented proof that the entire $1 billion involved confirmed fraud when the latest deferrals were announced.
Why disability advocates are concerned
Medicaid is one of the nation’s most important funding sources for disability services. It helps pay for personal-care attendants, behavioral health treatment, transportation and home- and community-based services.
Although the federal action targets payments to states rather than individual beneficiaries, prolonged funding delays could place pressure on state budgets and the organizations providing everyday care.
The concern is that legitimate providers and vulnerable residents could experience disruptions while federal and state officials dispute the validity of the claims. Smaller service providers may be especially vulnerable if state reimbursements are delayed.
States reject the administration’s allegations
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized the deferrals and suggested that the administration was targeting Democratic-led states.
Newsom said California supports legitimate efforts to prevent fraud but defended the state’s in-home care system as a less expensive alternative to institutional care.
Walz argued that withholding broad Medicaid payments risks harming children, seniors and people with disabilities instead of focusing enforcement directly on providers accused of wrongdoing.
The states can submit additional documentation to CMS and potentially have the deferred payments restored. Minnesota has already provided records that federal officials are reviewing.
What does this mean for North Carolina Medicaid?
The announced payment deferrals specifically involve California and Minnesota. There is currently no indication that North Carolina Medicaid funding is included in this particular action.
However, the dispute matters to North Carolina because it signals more aggressive federal review of Medicaid spending nationwide—particularly personal-care programs, autism services and home- and community-based care.
North Carolina families, disability advocates and service providers should watch for:
- New federal Medicaid audits or documentation requirements
- Changes affecting home- and community-based services
- Payment delays for disability-service providers
- State budget adjustments tied to federal reimbursements
- Additional CMS enforcement involving high-growth service categories
What happens next?
California and Minnesota will have an opportunity to document the questioned claims and demonstrate compliance with federal Medicaid rules. CMS could then release some or all of the deferred money.
The central question is whether the federal review will identify specific fraudulent claims or create an extended funding dispute that places legitimate disability services under financial strain.
DoRaleigh.com will continue following federal Medicaid developments and what they could mean for North Carolina residents, families and disability-service providers.
Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin
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This article summarizes reporting from Disability Scoop and additional publicly available information. Read the original Disability Scoop report.
Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh.
#CaliforniaMedicaid #CMS #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DisabilityRights #DisabilityServices #HealthCare #HomeAndCommunityBasedServices #Medicaid #MedicaidFunding #MinnesotaMedicaid #NCHealthNews #News #NorthCarolinaMedicaid #TrumpAdministration -
Medicaid Withholds More Than $1 Billion From California and Minnesota Over Fraud Concerns
The Trump administration has paused more than $1 billion in federal Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, citing suspected fraud, questionable billing patterns and compliance concerns.
According to a report from Disability Scoop, the decision is drawing concern because some of the funding supports home- and community-based programs used by people with developmental disabilities, older adults and others who need help living outside institutional settings.
How much Medicaid funding is being withheld?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is deferring approximately:
- $867.5 million in federal Medicaid payments to California
- $199 million in payments to Minnesota
Together, the deferred payments total about $1.07 billion.
Federal officials said the states must provide documentation demonstrating that the spending complies with Medicaid requirements before the money is released.
It is important to note that the payments are currently being deferred—not permanently eliminated. The states may recover the money if CMS determines that the underlying claims are valid. The action does not immediately change Medicaid eligibility or benefits, according to Reuters.
Why did CMS pause the payments?
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said federal reviews uncovered data irregularities and unusual billing patterns.
In California, officials are examining rapid spending growth involving in-home services. California leaders argue that these programs allow older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their communities instead of moving into more expensive nursing facilities.
Minnesota’s deferred funding involves 14 service areas previously identified as having elevated fraud risks. Earlier in 2026, CMS also deferred $259.5 million in Minnesota Medicaid funding while reviewing claims involving personal care, home- and community-based services and other practitioners. CMS said states have an opportunity to submit documentation supporting questioned expenses.
Federal officials cited anomalies and potentially improper payments but had not publicly presented proof that the entire $1 billion involved confirmed fraud when the latest deferrals were announced.
Why disability advocates are concerned
Medicaid is one of the nation’s most important funding sources for disability services. It helps pay for personal-care attendants, behavioral health treatment, transportation and home- and community-based services.
Although the federal action targets payments to states rather than individual beneficiaries, prolonged funding delays could place pressure on state budgets and the organizations providing everyday care.
The concern is that legitimate providers and vulnerable residents could experience disruptions while federal and state officials dispute the validity of the claims. Smaller service providers may be especially vulnerable if state reimbursements are delayed.
States reject the administration’s allegations
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized the deferrals and suggested that the administration was targeting Democratic-led states.
Newsom said California supports legitimate efforts to prevent fraud but defended the state’s in-home care system as a less expensive alternative to institutional care.
Walz argued that withholding broad Medicaid payments risks harming children, seniors and people with disabilities instead of focusing enforcement directly on providers accused of wrongdoing.
The states can submit additional documentation to CMS and potentially have the deferred payments restored. Minnesota has already provided records that federal officials are reviewing.
What does this mean for North Carolina Medicaid?
The announced payment deferrals specifically involve California and Minnesota. There is currently no indication that North Carolina Medicaid funding is included in this particular action.
However, the dispute matters to North Carolina because it signals more aggressive federal review of Medicaid spending nationwide—particularly personal-care programs, autism services and home- and community-based care.
North Carolina families, disability advocates and service providers should watch for:
- New federal Medicaid audits or documentation requirements
- Changes affecting home- and community-based services
- Payment delays for disability-service providers
- State budget adjustments tied to federal reimbursements
- Additional CMS enforcement involving high-growth service categories
What happens next?
California and Minnesota will have an opportunity to document the questioned claims and demonstrate compliance with federal Medicaid rules. CMS could then release some or all of the deferred money.
The central question is whether the federal review will identify specific fraudulent claims or create an extended funding dispute that places legitimate disability services under financial strain.
DoRaleigh.com will continue following federal Medicaid developments and what they could mean for North Carolina residents, families and disability-service providers.
Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin
Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.
Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |
This article summarizes reporting from Disability Scoop and additional publicly available information. Read the original Disability Scoop report.
Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh.
#CaliforniaMedicaid #CMS #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DisabilityRights #DisabilityServices #HealthCare #HomeAndCommunityBasedServices #Medicaid #MedicaidFunding #MinnesotaMedicaid #NCHealthNews #News #NorthCarolinaMedicaid #TrumpAdministration -
Medicaid Provider Cuts Could Impact Disability Services Nationwide: What Raleigh Residents Should Know
A recent report from Disability Scoop highlights growing concerns about Medicaid access and disability services after one state temporarily cut ties with thousands of Medicaid providers in an effort to comply with new federal funding requirements. The move is raising alarms among disability advocates and healthcare providers across the country who fear similar actions could affect access to critical services for people with disabilities. (Disability Scoop)
What Happened?
According to Disability Scoop, state officials reviewing Medicaid providers terminated or suspended relationships with nearly two-thirds of the providers under review while attempting to meet federal oversight and funding requirements. The action was described as temporary, but it immediately created uncertainty for providers and the individuals who depend on their services. (LinkedIn)
The situation comes as states nationwide face increasing pressure to comply with evolving Medicaid regulations while maintaining access to federal funding. Medicaid remains the primary source of funding for many disability support programs, including home and community-based services, personal care assistance, transportation, and healthcare coordination. (KFF)
Why Disability Advocates Are Concerned
Advocates worry that aggressive provider reviews, funding reductions, and administrative changes could reduce access to services for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Even temporary disruptions can create major challenges for individuals who rely on consistent support services to live independently and participate in their communities. (Disability Belongs™)
Many disability organizations have already expressed concerns about broader Medicaid policy changes scheduled to take effect over the next several years. Experts warn that states facing budget pressures may struggle to maintain provider networks, especially for home and community-based services that help individuals avoid institutional care. (KFF)
What This Could Mean for North Carolina
While the Disability Scoop report focuses on actions taken in another state, the issue has relevance for North Carolina residents. Medicaid is a critical lifeline for thousands of North Carolinians with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families.
If provider participation decreases or administrative requirements become more burdensome, residents could experience:
- Longer wait times for services
- Reduced provider availability
- Challenges accessing specialty care
- Increased strain on caregivers and families
- Delays in home and community-based support programs
North Carolina has expanded Medicaid in recent years, increasing access to healthcare coverage for many residents. However, disability advocates continue to monitor federal and state policy changes that could affect long-term service delivery and funding stability. (KFF)
The Bigger Picture
The Medicaid debate is increasingly focused on balancing fiscal accountability with access to care. Supporters of stricter oversight argue that states must ensure providers meet program requirements and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Critics counter that broad provider removals and funding restrictions can unintentionally harm vulnerable populations who depend on Medicaid-funded services every day. (KFF)
For people with disabilities, Medicaid is more than health insurance. It often funds the support systems that allow individuals to work, attend school, live independently, and remain connected to their communities. Any disruption in provider networks can have significant consequences for quality of life and independence. (Disability Belongs™)
What Raleigh Residents Should Watch
As federal Medicaid policies continue to evolve, disability advocates, healthcare providers, and community organizations will be watching closely for any changes that could affect service access in North Carolina.
Residents who rely on Medicaid services should stay informed about policy updates, provider network changes, and public comment opportunities that may affect disability services and healthcare access in the years ahead.
For more Raleigh news, community updates, and issues impacting local residents, follow DoRaleigh.com.
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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | DoRaleigh.com
#DevelopmentalDisabilities #disabilityAdvocacy #DisabilityRights #DisabilityServices #DoRaleigh #HealthcareAccess #HealthcareNews #Medicaid #MedicaidFunding #MedicaidProviders #News #NorthCarolinaHealthcare #NorthCarolinaMedicaid #PublicPolicy #RaleighCommunityNews #RaleighNC -
House 81 partners with Orlando Magic to promote inclusion for people with developmental disabilities https://www.rawchili.com/nba/706166/ #Basketball #BlossomArtisanal #CentralFlorida #DevelopmentalDisabilities #house #Magic #NBA #Orlando #OrlandoMagic #OrlandoMagic
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#MollyBurch #Crowdfunding #NonProfit #ArtSpace For Adults With #Intellectual And #DevelopmentalDisabilities
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#MollyBurch #Crowdfunding #NonProfit #ArtSpace For Adults With #Intellectual And #DevelopmentalDisabilities
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Today's blog installment is about the murder of a beautiful person with invisible disabilities. Unlike many I write about, this crime was not committed by police. The moment I learned of this sweet, kind woman's fate, it was impossible for me to ever forget the name, Jennifer Daugherty.
#DevelopmentalDisabilities #JenniferDaugherty #crime #murder #disability @disabilityjustice @disability @disabledvoices
Nightmare on North Pennsylvania Ave The Murder of Jennifer Daugherty https://outofexileidr.vivaldi.net/2024/09/11/nightmare-on-north-pennsylvania-ave-the-murder-of-jennifer-daugherty/
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Today's blog installment is about the murder of a beautiful person with invisible disabilities. Unlike many I write about, this crime was not committed by police. The moment I learned of this sweet, kind woman's fate, it was impossible for me to ever forget the name, Jennifer Daugherty.
#DevelopmentalDisabilities #JenniferDaugherty #crime #murder #disability @disabilityjustice @disability @disabledvoices
Nightmare on North Pennsylvania Ave The Murder of Jennifer Daugherty https://outofexileidr.vivaldi.net/2024/09/11/nightmare-on-north-pennsylvania-ave-the-murder-of-jennifer-daugherty/
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Today's blog installment is about the murder of a beautiful person with invisible disabilities. Unlike many I write about, this crime was not committed by police. The moment I learned of this sweet, kind woman's fate, it was impossible for me to ever forget the name, Jennifer Daugherty.
#DevelopmentalDisabilities #JenniferDaugherty #crime #murder #disability @disabilityjustice @disabledvoices @disability
Nightmare on North Pennsylvania Ave The Murder of Jennifer Daugherty https://outofexileidr.vivaldi.net/2024/09/11/nightmare-on-north-pennsylvania-ave-the-murder-of-jennifer-daugherty/
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Today's blog installment is about the murder of a beautiful person with invisible disabilities. Unlike many I write about, this crime was not committed by police. The moment I learned of this sweet, kind woman's fate, it was impossible for me to ever forget the name, Jennifer Daugherty.
#DevelopmentalDisabilities #JenniferDaugherty #crime #murder #disability @disabilityjustice @disabledvoices @disability
Nightmare on North Pennsylvania Ave The Murder of Jennifer Daugherty https://outofexileidr.vivaldi.net/2024/09/11/nightmare-on-north-pennsylvania-ave-the-murder-of-jennifer-daugherty/
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Evan Zenari says he didn't think it would be such a difficult process to qualify for #Alberta's Persons with #DevelopmentalDisabilities (PDD) program.
The 21-year-old is at the centre of a report by the province's #ombudsman #investigating the eligibility requirements to get into the #PDDprogram.
Zenari was born with developmental #disabilities & on the #autism spectrum. Some of his skills are limited & he can't find a job.
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It's a milestone day for me. My op-ed is in The Star!
"My sister’s rights were taken away, like thousands of others with developmental disabilities"
#WDSD #assumethatIcan
#endthestereotypes
#developmentaldisabilities #downsyndrome #longtermcare
#freeingteresa -
It's a milestone day for me. My op-ed is in The Star!
"My sister’s rights were taken away, like thousands of others with developmental disabilities"
#WDSD #assumethatIcan
#endthestereotypes
#developmentaldisabilities #downsyndrome #longtermcare
#freeingteresa -
Lawmakers Want To End SSI #MarriagePenalty For People With #DevelopmentalDisabilities https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/01/26/lawmakers-want-to-end-ssi-marriage-penalty-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities/30716/
#WomenWithDisabilities #DisabilityJustice #DisabilityPolicy #DisabledAndCapable #IntellectualDisabilities -
Lawmakers Want To End SSI #MarriagePenalty For People With #DevelopmentalDisabilities https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/01/26/lawmakers-want-to-end-ssi-marriage-penalty-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities/30716/
#WomenWithDisabilities #DisabilityJustice #DisabilityPolicy #DisabledAndCapable #IntellectualDisabilities -
People With IDD Wrongly Forced Into #NursingHomes, Scathing U.S. Report Says:
“At least 2,000 people with #developmentaldisabilities in New Jersey are housed in nursing homes “contrary to their wishes” and in violation of their constitutional rights because the state does not properly evaluate their needs or give them the option of living more independently in a group home, a new report has found.”
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People With IDD Wrongly Forced Into #NursingHomes, Scathing U.S. Report Says:
“At least 2,000 people with #developmentaldisabilities in New Jersey are housed in nursing homes “contrary to their wishes” and in violation of their constitutional rights because the state does not properly evaluate their needs or give them the option of living more independently in a group home, a new report has found.”
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How Accessible #SexEd Helps #YoungAdults with #DevelopmentalDisabilities Form #Healthy #Relationships
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Hispanic/Latinx children less likely to have diagnosed developmental disabilities: Cultural differences in knowledge/understanding of what constitutes a disability or differential treatment within the healthcare system may be the reason.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31292923/
#NICHDImpact #Disability #Healthcare #DevelopmentalDisabilities #ChildDevelopment #HealthDisparities #RacialDisparities
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Court of Appeal restores class status in Ontario developmental services lawsuit https://bit.ly/428y9l4 #OntarioCourts #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Adults #WaitLists #ClassAction #Lawsuit #onpoli @ontariogreens @onpoli
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Court of Appeal restores class status in Ontario developmental services lawsuit https://bit.ly/428y9l4 #OntarioCourts #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Adults #WaitLists #ClassAction #Lawsuit #onpoli @ontariogreens @onpoli
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Global News BC: Victoria disability sports festival announces 2023 is final year, volunteers still needed https://globalnews.ca/news/9555195/disability-sports-festival-2023-final-year/ #globalnews #britishcolumbia #news #developmentaldisabilitiessportevent #developmentaldisabilitiescamp #developmentaldisabilities #BCvolunteerorganization #VolunteerOrganization #OperationTrackshoes #VolunteersNeeded #BCsportsevent #Victoria #Sports #BC
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Global News BC: Victoria disability sports festival announces 2023 is final year, volunteers still needed https://globalnews.ca/news/9555195/disability-sports-festival-2023-final-year/ #globalnews #britishcolumbia #news #developmentaldisabilitiessportevent #developmentaldisabilitiescamp #developmentaldisabilities #BCvolunteerorganization #VolunteerOrganization #OperationTrackshoes #VolunteersNeeded #BCsportsevent #Victoria #Sports #BC
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International Women’s Day Hero of Invisible Disability Rights – Elaine Wilson:
In celebration of International Women's Day, OutOfExile_IDR honors Elaine Wilson, champion of invisible disability rights and the Olmstead Act. It seems germane, as March is also Developmental Disabilities Month.
During Martin Luther King week, I posted about Lois Curtis, a champion for Invisible Disability Rights (link below). Lois, togather with another woman, Elaine Wilson, fought all the way to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for the right to live in the community, rather than being institutionalized. Fighting courageously for their freedom, they won the right to freedom for all people with invisible disabilities. The case is often refered to as the “Brown v. Board of Education” for people with (Invisible) disabilities.
Excerpt below & image of Elaine from:
https://www.olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead/history/[“Elaine Wilson became seriously ill when she was one years old. She was hospitalized with a raging fever and it was unclear whether she would survive... When the fever finally broke and Elaine was …sent home, ….Elaine had lost some of her early motor function abilities, such as crawling or even sitting up by herself. The doctors assured Elaine's mother that (it) was only a lingering effect of the illness…. Elaine eventually did recover, but very slowly”.[]
In school, Elaine lagged behind other students having difficulties with focus and learning , eventually being diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) attributed to the prolonged high fever as an infant. Likley, this was the correct diagnosis.
She was reevaluated as a teen upon enrollment at “Gracewood State School and Hospitol” in Georgia. There, she was diagnosed with an ableist slur containing the “R" word, once used in reference to PEOPLE living with Down Syndrome. Providers believed the only recourse was institutionalization. (I am bitting my tongue and holding back my opinions on the lot of it.)
She would spend about a decade living in institutions (State hospitals) against her will. Following that, in the 1980s, she would be “ping-ponged" from care homes to hospitals, back and forth for nearly two decades of her life.
“When I was in an institution, I didn't like myself," Elaine says. "I was trapped. . . . I had no hope. I thought, Oh God, Oh God - When am I ever going to leave here?"
Another hero deserving mention on IWD is Sue Jamieson, the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Attorney who brought the case. Sue and Lois Curtis were joined by co-plaintiff Elaine Wilson, to blaze the path of freedom for countless individuals with disabilities in their wake.
After more than 30 years and 36 psychiatric institutions, at times living homelessness and in varous “care homes", Elaine along with Lois Curtis, were victorious and finally free.
The 1997 ruling by Senior U.S. District Judge Marvin H. Shoob said that “… denying the women a community-based life amounted to segregation of people covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act.” Judge Shoob later remarked “They were both so articulate” in regard to the testimony of Elaine Wilson and Lois Curitis.
Elaine passed in 2004 at the age of 53 but, will be forever remembered as a Disability Rights Legend for her resilience, strength and courage. As part of her testimony, she told the court: “When I was in an institution, I felt like I was in a little box and there was no way out”.
Thanks to Elaine Wilson and Lois Curtis, people with invisible disabilities are afforded the right to live in freedom at home, instead of confinement in a “box", cage or institution, merely because of a health issue. Thanks and honor to Elaine, Lois and Sue on this International Women’s Day.
“The Brave and the Strong” Lois Curitis – OutOfExile_ID:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109690867328587920Elaine’s story continued:
http://www.olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead/history/item.5405-Elaine_Wilsons_Story_ContinuedMore on Olmstead and Elaine’s impact:
https://olmsteadrights.wordpress.com/tag/elaine-wilson/More from disabilityjustice.org:
https://disabilityjustice.org/olmstead-v-lc/ADA – Community Intergration for Everyone:
https://archive.ada.gov/olmstead/olmstead_about.htmInternational Women’s Day Image from:
https://www.desicomments.com/womens-day/international-womens-day-5/IMAGE CW - (eye contact)
Don't forget the ALT text.#InternationalWomensDay #ElaineWilson #LoisCurtis #Hero #OlmsteadAct #SueJamieson #SCOTUS #freedom #home #gratitude #CommunityIntergration #DevelopmentalDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #BrainInjury #TBI #ABI #AcquiredBrainInjury #MentalHealth #disability #InvisibleDisabilityRights #Hero #DisabilityJustice #EmbraceEquity
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International Women’s Day Hero of Invisible Disability Rights – Elaine Wilson:
In celebration of International Women's Day, OutOfExile_IDR honors Elaine Wilson, champion of invisible disability rights and the Olmstead Act. It seems germane, as March is also Developmental Disabilities Month.
During Martin Luther King week, I posted about Lois Curtis, a champion for Invisible Disability Rights (link below). Lois, togather with another woman, Elaine Wilson, fought all the way to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for the right to live in the community, rather than being institutionalized. Fighting courageously for their freedom, they won the right to freedom for all people with invisible disabilities. The case is often refered to as the “Brown v. Board of Education” for people with (Invisible) disabilities.
Excerpt below & image of Elaine from:
https://www.olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead/history/[“Elaine Wilson became seriously ill when she was one years old. She was hospitalized with a raging fever and it was unclear whether she would survive... When the fever finally broke and Elaine was …sent home, ….Elaine had lost some of her early motor function abilities, such as crawling or even sitting up by herself. The doctors assured Elaine's mother that (it) was only a lingering effect of the illness…. Elaine eventually did recover, but very slowly”.[]
In school, Elaine lagged behind other students having difficulties with focus and learning , eventually being diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) attributed to the prolonged high fever as an infant. Likley, this was the correct diagnosis.
She was reevaluated as a teen upon enrollment at “Gracewood State School and Hospitol” in Georgia. There, she was diagnosed with an ableist slur containing the “R" word, once used in reference to PEOPLE living with Down Syndrome. Providers believed the only recourse was institutionalization. (I am bitting my tongue and holding back my opinions on the lot of it.)
She would spend about a decade living in institutions (State hospitals) against her will. Following that, in the 1980s, she would be “ping-ponged" from care homes to hospitals, back and forth for nearly two decades of her life.
“When I was in an institution, I didn't like myself," Elaine says. "I was trapped. . . . I had no hope. I thought, Oh God, Oh God - When am I ever going to leave here?"
Another hero deserving mention on IWD is Sue Jamieson, the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Attorney who brought the case. Sue and Lois Curtis were joined by co-plaintiff Elaine Wilson, to blaze the path of freedom for countless individuals with disabilities in their wake.
After more than 30 years and 36 psychiatric institutions, at times living homelessness and in varous “care homes", Elaine along with Lois Curtis, were victorious and finally free.
The 1997 ruling by Senior U.S. District Judge Marvin H. Shoob said that “… denying the women a community-based life amounted to segregation of people covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act.” Judge Shoob later remarked “They were both so articulate” in regard to the testimony of Elaine Wilson and Lois Curitis.
Elaine passed in 2004 at the age of 53 but, will be forever remembered as a Disability Rights Legend for her resilience, strength and courage. As part of her testimony, she told the court: “When I was in an institution, I felt like I was in a little box and there was no way out”.
Thanks to Elaine Wilson and Lois Curtis, people with invisible disabilities are afforded the right to live in freedom at home, instead of confinement in a “box", cage or institution, merely because of a health issue. Thanks and honor to Elaine, Lois and Sue on this International Women’s Day.
“The Brave and the Strong” Lois Curitis – OutOfExile_ID:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109690867328587920Elaine’s story continued:
http://www.olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead/history/item.5405-Elaine_Wilsons_Story_ContinuedMore on Olmstead and Elaine’s impact:
https://olmsteadrights.wordpress.com/tag/elaine-wilson/More from disabilityjustice.org:
https://disabilityjustice.org/olmstead-v-lc/ADA – Community Intergration for Everyone:
https://archive.ada.gov/olmstead/olmstead_about.htmInternational Women’s Day Image from:
https://www.desicomments.com/womens-day/international-womens-day-5/IMAGE CW - (eye contact)
Don't forget the ALT text.#InternationalWomensDay #ElaineWilson #LoisCurtis #Hero #OlmsteadAct #SueJamieson #SCOTUS #freedom #home #gratitude #CommunityIntergration #DevelopmentalDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #BrainInjury #TBI #ABI #AcquiredBrainInjury #MentalHealth #disability #InvisibleDisabilityRights #Hero #DisabilityJustice #EmbraceEquity
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Student with Downs Syndrome Excluded:
A post by @JDS linked an article about an Alabama elementary school girls basketball team that won the championship in a boys league. Despite defeating all the boys teams they faced enroute to the top, the league refused to award the trophy to the girls team. As if this example of “exclusion by bigotry” was not enough to get the juices flowing, the article linked another #disability related story that I couldn’t pass up. So much for easing back into it.
Morgyn Arnold, who lives with down syndrome, worked as the manager of her Junior high school’s cheerleading team. The cheer team at Shoreline Junior High School in Layton, Utah, chose to take two team photos; one with Morgyn and one without. The photo excluding her is the one used on social media and printed in the yearbook. Her name was not even mentioned as part of the team. Despite all of her “hard work and dedication to the team”, she was excluded .
According to a relative of Morgyn's, this “was the second time in three years” that she had “been left out of the yearbook” and had been left off the class list of students by the school in the past. The school issued a statement on social media that was later deleted. Is that the “swooshing" of brooms I hear?
I personally have had a similar taste of this elixir of exclusion during my time broadcasting for one university hockey team. Among the numerous discriminatory and ableist acts I experienced, I too was never mentioned or thanked in anyway by that team. I felt as if I was a dirty secret or that the team that raved about my broadcasts, was ashamed of me.
The big difference? Down Syndrome is not one of my disabilities and I was not 14 years old like Morgyn. Even with my experience, I can’t imagine how she must have felt being subjected to these patronizing, demeaning and deplorable ableist acts of exclusion.
In the mind of the offenders, exclusion, discrimination and bigotry doesn’t have to make sense. Oftentimes, they assume the people living with invisible, developmental or intellectual disabilities to be clueless or lacking reason and intelligence. In actuality, this type of behavior and “stigmatude” suggests that perpetrators may be lacking in some of these areas.
For this blatant act of ableism and oblivion to inclusion, Community Intergration and equality I have no cheers, only jeers.
“HIP HIP! Shame on you.”OutOfExile_IDR #InvisibleDisabilityRights
Link to the article and photos: https://www.ibtimes.sg/utah-school-under-fire-after-leaving-student-down-syndrome-out-cheerleading-team-photo-claims-it-58223?utm_source=Internal&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=related
#EndAbleism #EndBigotry #InvisibleDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DownSyndrome #CommunityIntergration #inclusion #equality #stigmatude
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Student with Downs Syndrome Excluded:
A post by @JDS linked an article about an Alabama elementary school girls basketball team that won the championship in a boys league. Despite defeating all the boys teams they faced enroute to the top, the league refused to award the trophy to the girls team. As if this example of “exclusion by bigotry” was not enough to get the juices flowing, the article linked another #disability related story that I couldn’t pass up. So much for easing back into it.
Morgyn Arnold, who lives with down syndrome, worked as the manager of her Junior high school’s cheerleading team. The cheer team at Shoreline Junior High School in Layton, Utah, chose to take two team photos; one with Morgyn and one without. The photo excluding her is the one used on social media and printed in the yearbook. Her name was not even mentioned as part of the team. Despite all of her “hard work and dedication to the team”, she was excluded .
According to a relative of Morgyn's, this “was the second time in three years” that she had “been left out of the yearbook” and had been left off the class list of students by the school in the past. The school issued a statement on social media that was later deleted. Is that the “swooshing" of brooms I hear?
I personally have had a similar taste of this elixir of exclusion during my time broadcasting for one university hockey team. Among the numerous discriminatory and ableist acts I experienced, I too was never mentioned or thanked in anyway by that team. I felt as if I was a dirty secret or that the team that raved about my broadcasts, was ashamed of me.
The big difference? Down Syndrome is not one of my disabilities and I was not 14 years old like Morgyn. Even with my experience, I can’t imagine how she must have felt being subjected to these patronizing, demeaning and deplorable ableist acts of exclusion.
In the mind of the offenders, exclusion, discrimination and bigotry doesn’t have to make sense. Oftentimes, they assume the people living with invisible, developmental or intellectual disabilities to be clueless or lacking reason and intelligence. In actuality, this type of behavior and “stigmatude” suggests that perpetrators may be lacking in some of these areas.
For this blatant act of ableism and oblivion to inclusion, Community Intergration and equality I have no cheers, only jeers.
“HIP HIP! Shame on you.”OutOfExile_IDR #InvisibleDisabilityRights
Link to the article and photos: https://www.ibtimes.sg/utah-school-under-fire-after-leaving-student-down-syndrome-out-cheerleading-team-photo-claims-it-58223?utm_source=Internal&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=related
#EndAbleism #EndBigotry #InvisibleDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DownSyndrome #CommunityIntergration #inclusion #equality #stigmatude
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A social experiment.
👇 👇
The results are in and somewhat sad.I did a social experiment last night: "Rolos vs IDR - Invisible Disability Rights."
I posted two pieces and the above "social experiment" toot simultaneously so they would appear on the timeline together. Links to both are below.The score was:
Rolos 9 - IDR 1The response for Rolo included favoring, boosting and two comments from the same Mastodonian that seemed to want to give a lesson on geometry in reference to the shape of Rolos.
Only one responce for IDR, a single boost. Thanks Jack. :solidarity:
Social change comes with support from all, abled and disabled individuals alike. As long as candy takes precedence over the abuse, mistreatment, exclusion and inequality of human beings, the future looks bleak for persons with invisible disabilities. Experiment failure.
Invisible Disability Rights are #HumanRights and #DisabilityIsDiversity
Heinous abuse of people with invisible disabilities by humanity (cw):
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109549519506159425Rolos candy:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109674897422321516#equality #change #amplify #inclusion #support #listen #EndBigotry #EndAbleism #disability #MentalHealth #DevelopmentalDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #TBI
#DisabilitySolidarity #Love4All #DisabilityCommunity #InvisibleDisabilityRights #Legend #LoisCurtis #ElaineWilson #OlmsteadDecision #heros@autisticadvocacy @disabilityjustice @disability
Image courtesy of psu.com
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A social experiment.
👇 👇
The results are in and somewhat sad.I did a social experiment last night: "Rolos vs IDR - Invisible Disability Rights."
I posted two pieces and the above "social experiment" toot simultaneously so they would appear on the timeline together. Links to both are below.The score was:
Rolos 9 - IDR 1The response for Rolo included favoring, boosting and two comments from the same Mastodonian that seemed to want to give a lesson on geometry in reference to the shape of Rolos.
Only one responce for IDR, a single boost. Thanks Jack. :solidarity:
Social change comes with support from all, abled and disabled individuals alike. As long as candy takes precedence over the abuse, mistreatment, exclusion and inequality of human beings, the future looks bleak for persons with invisible disabilities. Experiment failure.
Invisible Disability Rights are #HumanRights and #DisabilityIsDiversity
Heinous abuse of people with invisible disabilities by humanity (cw):
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109549519506159425Rolos candy:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109674897422321516#equality #change #amplify #inclusion #support #listen #EndBigotry #EndAbleism #disability #MentalHealth #DevelopmentalDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #TBI
#DisabilitySolidarity #Love4All #DisabilityCommunity #InvisibleDisabilityRights #Legend #LoisCurtis #ElaineWilson #OlmsteadDecision #heros@autisticadvocacy @disabilityjustice @disability
Image courtesy of psu.com
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Click here 🧠 to expand.
Your wisdom and opinions here are greatly appreciated. The oppression of POC was, and is an ongoing plague on society. MLK and his wisdoms have always inspired and fueled my fight for Invisible Disability Rights (IDR) as well.To paraphrase your statement, I feel it is equally important to:
"listen to the (disabled) community, uplift their voices, celebrate their achievements, and lend support in the ongoing fight for (disability) justice and equality.Below are two articles. One about oppression and one about a great achievement from a black woman who is a hero to people with invisible disabilities. Lois Curtis' landmark SCOTUS case is touted as the "Brown vs Board Education" for persons with invisible disabilities yet, so few know who she is and fail to honor her for what she did.
Two of my favorites from MLK:
“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it,” King said. “He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. - Martin Luther King Jr.
Oppression:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109549519506159425Achievement of Lois Curtis:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109690867328587920#equality #change #amplify #inclusion #support #listen #BLM #EndBigotry #EndAbleism #disability #MentalHealth #DevelopmentalDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #TBI
#DisabilitySolidarity #Love4All #DisabilityCommunity #InvisibleDisabilityRights #Legend #LoisCurtis #MLK #ElaineWilson #OlmsteadDecision #JohnLewis MartinLutherKingJr #heros -
Click here 🧠 to expand.
Your wisdom and opinions here are greatly appreciated. The oppression of POC was, and is an ongoing plague on society. MLK and his wisdoms have always inspired and fueled my fight for Invisible Disability Rights (IDR) as well.To paraphrase your statement, I feel it is equally important to:
"listen to the (disabled) community, uplift their voices, celebrate their achievements, and lend support in the ongoing fight for (disability) justice and equality.Below are two articles. One about oppression and one about a great achievement from a black woman who is a hero to people with invisible disabilities. Lois Curtis' landmark SCOTUS case is touted as the "Brown vs Board Education" for persons with invisible disabilities yet, so few know who she is and fail to honor her for what she did.
Two of my favorites from MLK:
“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it,” King said. “He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. - Martin Luther King Jr.
Oppression:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109549519506159425Achievement of Lois Curtis:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109690867328587920#equality #change #amplify #inclusion #support #listen #BLM #EndBigotry #EndAbleism #disability #MentalHealth #DevelopmentalDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #TBI
#DisabilitySolidarity #Love4All #DisabilityCommunity #InvisibleDisabilityRights #Legend #LoisCurtis #MLK #ElaineWilson #OlmsteadDecision #JohnLewis MartinLutherKingJr #heros -
This is my most recent addition to my personal art gallery painted by one of the other artists at the art program my housemate George goes to. I love this artist's work so much!
#art #painting #DevelopmentalDisabilities #HotPotato