A Conversation with Lois Curtis – Resources

Guests: Lois Curtis, a disability rights activist, visual artist, and public speaker
Petula Golden, Ms. Curtis’s companion and supporter
Host: Peter Blanck, Ph.D., J.D., Chairman, Burton Blatt Institute, University Professor, Syracuse University
Recording Date: July 22, 2022
Archive: A Conversation with Lois Curtis

Contents

About the 504@50 Podcast Series

504@50 is a special interview series created in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In the series, we speak with leaders of the disability rights movement who advance the cause of equal rights through their tireless work.

The 504@50 Series is produced by the Southeast ADA Center, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University and in collaboration with the Disability Inclusive Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. Check out the Section 504@50 website at section504at50.org

About This Episode

In her last interview before her passing, Lois Curtis talks with Dr. Peter Blanck about her experiences as a pioneer in the deinstitutionalization movement. Ms. Curtis, the original plaintiff of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Olmstead v. LC, was placed against her will in a Georgia state psychiatric hospital for 17 years. “Deinstitutionalization” means moving mentally disabled people from public or private institutions, such as psychiatric hospitals, back to their families or into community-based homes.

Ms. Curtis discusses the long and bumpy road of navigating systems and stereotypes to eventually win her freedom and make her own choices. She describes how she was fighting for her personal rights and freedom, and how her legal fight became a symbol for deinstitutionalization of people with disabilities.

Life of Lois Curtis

Lois Curtis wrote this in 2010:
“To all the people living in institutions: 
I remember you. Give me a prayer.
Sometimes I feel good about my life.
When I feel bad about my life I name my country, sing the gospel, and bring my mind back home.
I will sing with you again.
Have a beautiful day.
Love, Lois”
Source: American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) (November 6, 2022)
Link: aapd.com/press-releases/aapd-statement-on-the-passing-of-lois-curtis-lead-plaintiff-of-landmark-olmstead-decision

  • Olmstead Champion Meets the President
    Blog post written by Sue Jamieson on June 22, 2011.
    Source: The White House Archives
    Link: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/06/22/olmstead-champion-meets-president
  • Lois Curtis Biography
    Source: National Women’s History Museum
    Link: womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/lois-curtis

Lois Curtis Videos

Note: All videos include captions.

Honoring Lois Curtis

Learn about the Olmstead Supreme Court Decision

Supreme Court Case Citation: Olmstead v. L. C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999)

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Visit the Section 504@50 website at: section504at50.org
The 504@50 Series is produced by the Southeast ADA Center, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, and in collaboration with the Disability Inclusive Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center.