On June 24, 2023, I was delighted to take part in the second annual Disabled Women Make History (and Art) event which was a celebration of the 24th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court Olmstead decision. Disability EmpowHer Network and the Toledo Museum of Art hosted this amazing event to celebrate Olmstead by uplifting and showcasing disabled women artists.
On June 22, 1999, the United States Supreme Court held in Olmstead v. L.C. that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Court held that public entities must provide community-based services to persons with disabilities. The two plaintiffs in this case were both disabled women; one of the women, Lois Curtis, was an artist herself. Disabled Women Make History (and Art) celebrates the Olmstead decision as well as all disabled women artists and the incredible impacts they make on the world through their art and advocacy.
As a part of the celebration, disabled women artists from across the country were invited to submit their art work for consideration to be displayed as part of this event. 20 fantastic artists were selected and invited to showcase their work. In addition, the artists were invited to attend two exclusive workshops to enhance their skills in marketing themselves and their artwork. The first workshop, “Know Your Artworth” focused on helping the artists understand the value of their work, strategies to price and sell their artwork, and how to find grants to help fund their work. The second workshop focused on public speaking skills, including elevator speeches and creating artist statements.