Minnesota Olmstead Implementation Office

Your experience can help others. If you are age 60 or older, or you care for someone who is, we invite you to take a short survey about legal needs in your community. Your answers will help build programs that improve access to free and low cost legal services and resources for older Minnesotans. Just a few minutes of your time can help others stay independent, secure and connected to their communities. http://vtlr.us/26

Today is officially Olmstead Day in Minnesota! Olmstead v. L.C. is a historic Supreme Court decision affirming people with disabilities have the right to live, work, learn, and enjoy life in their chosen communities. At the center of this decision was Elaine Wilson and Lois Curtis: two tenacious women with disabilities who fought - and won - for their right to live in their chosen communities.

You can read the proclamation text below:

WHEREAS: On June 22, 1999, the United States Supreme Court announced their decision in Olmstead v. L.C., ruling that Americans with disabilities must receive services in the most integrated settings possible; and

WHEREAS: Over 25 years later, Minnesota celebrates the Olmstead Decision and the rights of people with disabilities to live, work, and enjoy life in their chosen communities; and

WHEREAS: We honor the women at the center of the Olmstead Decision, who fought for their basic human right to live in the safe, accessible housing of their choice, unlocking access for millions of people; and

WHEREAS: We acknowledge the long history of isolation and discrimination of people with disabilities and the systemic barriers that must still be addressed as we create more equitable, inclusive, and accessible communities; and

WHEREAS: For children with disabilities, inclusion and equal access to high-quality education is an essential element of the American promise of equal opportunity and self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS: We honor the momentum generated through the advocacy of individuals with disabilities, including the creation of the Minnesota Olmstead Plan, which has helped set the course for Minnesotans living with disabilities to have options and make self-directed decisions about every area of their lives; and

WHEREAS: There is still work to be done to ensure that every person in Minnesota living with disabilities can enjoy life in their communities; and

WHEREAS: We celebrate every individual with disabilities who has fought for equal rights, access, and self-determination. Because of this advocacy, more people with disabilities are on the path toward living, working, and enjoying life in the community, and Minnesota is a better place for everyone.

Now, therefore I, Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Monday, June 22, 2026, as Olmstead Day in the State of Minnesota.