Statement from Secretary Grace B. Hou on 20 Years of Olmstead

20 years ago today, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of two women with disabilities from Georgia. Lois Curtis and the late Elaine Wilson (1951 - 2004) sued the state of Georgia for one goal: to live in their own home. Years later, Illinoisans with disabilities followed in their footsteps. Today, the State of Illinois is working to increase in-home services, direct support workers, supported employment, housing and much more so that people with disabilities can live self-determined lives.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is committed to honoring Louis Curtis and Elaine Wilson's courage to fight for the dream to be in control of their own lives by finding ways to celebrate them throughout this commemorative year.