Sight Unseen LLC

Today marks the 27th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C., which affirmed that the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ruling reinforced the right of people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities rather than in institutions. Twenty-seven years later, Olmstead remains one of the most important disability rights decisions in our nation’s history and continues to advance inclusion, independence, and equal opportunity.

This anniversary comes just days after the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo challenging longstanding interpretations of the integration mandate and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision. ACB is deeply troubled by the memo’s conclusions and its potential implications for the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities without fear of unnecessary institutionalization.

Despite this recent challenge, we remain committed to defending the rights and freedoms recognized in the Olmstead ruling, and will continue to advocate for policies that promote full participation, independence, and social and economic opportunity for all people with disabilities.

On June 18, 2026, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel issued a slip opinion that directly attacks decades of progress toward equality, inclusion, and community living for people with disabilities. We strongly condemn this attempt to undermine the fundamental principle that people with disabilities have the right to live, work, learn, and receive services in their communities rather than be segregated in institutions. For generations, advocates, families, and people with disabilities have fought to dismantle systems of isolation and exclusion. This opinion rejects that hard-won progress and disregards the experiences of millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed by community-based services and supports.

Although this opinion does not overturn Olmstead v. L.C., repeal the Americans with Disabilities Act, or invalidate decades of federal court precedent, it sends a deeply troubling message about the Administration's intentions. The opinion is inconsistent with longstanding interpretations of federal disability rights law embraced by courts and administrations of both parties. By questioning the legal foundations of the Integration Mandate, it threatens the protections that help people avoid unnecessary institutionalization, remain connected to their families, secure stable housing, access education and employment, and participate fully in civic life. At a time when community-based supports are already under strain, this effort risks reversing decades of bipartisan progress and weakening one of the most successful civil rights movements in our nation's history.

“Our vision is rooted in hope and in the belief that people with disabilities belong in their communities, with the supports, opportunities, and dignity they deserve—and we will not go back,” said Marlene Sallo, Executive Director. We reject any effort to return to systems that separate people with disabilities from their communities or limit their choices and independence. We will continue to defend the protections and promises of Olmstead, the ADA, and Section 504; protect the services that make community living possible; and stand with people with disabilities and their families in the fight for equality, dignity, and self-determination. The work of community integration is not over, and our commitment to keeping people in their communities and homes remains as strong as ever.

This Juneteenth, ACB and the Multicultural Affairs Committee are proud to recognize Janae Miller, an ACB community leader whose dedication and advocacy are helping create a more accessible and inclusive future.

Janae serves as president of the Columbus chapter of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio, is a member of the ACB of Ohio Board, and serves on ACB's Multicultural Affairs Committee. An INSPIRE program graduate, Janae has participated in both the D.C. Leadership Conference and ACB national conventions. She also serves as a commissioner on the City of Columbus Disability Commission. In addition to her advocacy work, Janae is an accomplished pianist and singer.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we honor leaders like Janae whose service, leadership, and advocacy strengthen ACB and help advance equality, opportunity, and independence for people who are blind or have low vision.

Stay aware, stay awake! 

We have joined with Helen Keller Services to promote Deafblind Awareness Week, June 25 - July 1, 2026, to help expand public understanding of DeafBlindness, promoting accessible communication and inclusive practices, elevating the voices and contributions of DeafBlind individuals, and strengthening partnerships across education, employment, healthcare, and community systems.

This year's theme is: Connected by Touch: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.

We want to hear from you! Share your story and tell us what this theme means to you at https://bit.ly/CHARGEAwarenessForm

Tell Congress to pass the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act!

Often, children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, blind, or have low vision face barriers to receiving the specialized instruction, accessible resources, and support they need to succeed.

The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act would help address these challenges by:

✅ Improving the identification of students who need specialized services

✅ Strengthening requirements for states to provide qualified personnel and appropriate instruction

✅ Establishing a national resource focused on evidence-based educational practices

✅ Providing families and educators with up-to-date information and resources

This legislation will help ensure that students receive the education, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Take action by sending a message to your members of Congress here: https://speak4.app/lp/lc019s7h?ts=1781182015

Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that could eliminate Medicaid payment for family caregivers supporting people with disabilities.

For many individuals, family caregivers are the only reliable support. Removing this option could force people out of their homes and into higher-cost care settings.
The vote is expected next week. Now is the time to speak up.

Contact your legislators today:
Find your Ohio Representative: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/district-map
Find your Ohio Senator: https://ohiosenate.gov/members/district-map

Call or email them and say:
“I oppose any legislation that removes Medicaid payment for family caregivers. These services are essential for people with disabilities to remain in their homes and communities.”

Take action and sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/protect-disabled-ohioans-right-to-live-at-home?recruiter=25249405&recruited_by_id=8d5bc510-bf03-012f-974b-4040d2fbfbbf&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_promote_or_share&utm_medium=facebook&share_id=BtsyvmbB9q

🎉 Happy Weekend, everyone! 🎉
The weekend is finally here, and while we often think of it as a time to relax and forget about work, let's flip that script!

🚀 Your mission never truly stops, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your time off.
Why not blend fun with productivity?

🛠️ Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, diving into a good book, or even planning for the week ahead, there are endless ways to recharge while still moving towards your goals. So, embrace this weekend as a chance to fuel your passions!

Who says you can’t have fun and be productive at the same time? Let’s make this weekend count! 💪✨ What’s on your productive agenda?
Share below! 👇

🎉 Happy Weekend, everyone! 🎉

The weekend is finally here, and while we often think of it as a time to relax and forget about work, let's flip that script! 🚀 Your mission never truly stops, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your time off.

Why not blend fun with productivity? 🛠️ Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, diving into a good book, or even planning for the week ahead, there are endless ways to recharge while still moving towards your goals.

So, embrace this weekend as a chance to fuel your passions! Who says you can’t have fun and be productive at the same time? Let’s make this weekend count! 💪✨

What’s on your productive agenda? Share below! 👇