Maryland Inclusive Housing’s latest podcast explores a landmark disability rights decision, the challenges it faces today, and what Maryland can do to support community living.
Listen to the podcast on Spotify.
Having a home of your choice and the support to participate in your community are central to an inclusive life. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Supreme Court’s 1999 decision in Olmstead v. L.C. helped establish important protections against unnecessary institutionalization.
In the second episode of the Maryland Inclusive Housing Podcast, we bring together three leaders in disability policy and advocacy to discuss what Olmstead means for Marylanders—and why its future matters.
The case began with Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, two women who remained in a Georgia institution even after their care professionals determined they were ready for community-based services. Their challenge under the Americans with Disabilities Act led the Supreme Court to recognize that unjustified institutional isolation can constitute disability discrimination. The decision helped establish a path to community-based services when placement is appropriate and can be reasonably accommodated.
Today, a recent Department of Justice memo has raised questions about federal enforcement and the future of those protections. The podcast examines these concerns through a Maryland lens, exploring how Olmstead has supported community living, what is at stake for people with disabilities, and how our state can respond.
Meet the Panelists
Moderator
Rachel London – Executive Director, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Rachel London, Esq., is the Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, where she manages staff and oversees all of the Council’s work. She leads the development and implementation of the Council’s State Plan, guiding efforts to achieve its goals. Rachel represents the Council before Congress, the Maryland General Assembly, the governor’s office, and state agencies. She also leads the Council’s advocacy on child care, education, housing, and issues involving the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Rachel is a member serves as Secretary of the MIH Board of Directors.
Anne Blackfield — Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Disabilities
Anne Blackfield has served as Deputy Secretary since 2024 and leads the department’s policy team, including its work on the State Disabilities Plan and the Statewide Autism Coordinator’s initiatives. She has held several roles at the department since 2011 and holds a health law degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Anne brings a state policy perspective to the conversation about supporting community living in Maryland.
Alison Barkoff — Harold and Jane Hirsh Associate Professor of Health Law and Policy, George Washington University
Alison Barkoff directs the Hirsh Health Law and Policy Program at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. She has led disability law and policy efforts during both the Obama and Biden administrations. In federal service, she performed the duties of Administrator of the Administration for Community Living and Assistant Secretary for Aging. Alison brings extensive experience in disability rights, federal policy, and community-based services.
Mat Rice — Executive Director and Advocacy Coordinator, People On the Go Maryland
Mat Rice previously led public policy and the Empowering Partners self-advocacy initiative at The Arc Maryland. He has worked closely with legislators on issues affecting Marylanders with disabilities and helped lead the coalition behind the Ken Capone Equal Employment Act. He also chairs the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Quality Advisory Council. Mat brings a self-advocacy perspective and experience advancing policies that support choice and inclusion.
Listen to the Conversation
Listen on Spotify to learn more about Olmstead, the current challenges to community living, and the work ahead in Maryland. A YouTube version will be added to this page when available.
The Maryland Inclusive Housing Podcast is a digital storytelling initiative that uplifts underrepresented voices across our state. MIH’s mission is to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities successfully access and maintain inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing of their choice.