Nevada PEP

Nevada PEP joins the world in mourning the passing of Judith “Judy” Heumann—widely regarded as “the mother” of the disability rights movement—passed away in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of March 4, 2023. Judy was at the forefront of major disability rights demonstrations, helped spearhead the passage of disability rights legislation, founded national and international disability advocacy organizations, held senior federal government positions, co-authored her memoir, Being Heumann, and its Young Adult version, Rolling Warrior, and was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

Learn more about Judy’s inspirational life: The World Mourns the Passing of Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Activist – Judy Heumann (judithheumann.com)

Judy Heumann | Disability Rights Advocate | Judithheumann

Nevada PEP joins the disability community in mourning the loss of one of our nation’s greatest advocates, Lois Curtis, who passed away on November 3, 2022.  Lois Curtis is remembered as “L.C.” in Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court decision. Olmstead recognized that the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protect the right of people with disabilities to live in their own homes and receive services in their own communities. An entire generation has grown up since the Olmstead decision – a generation that has always had the right to live, work and participate in their communities.  We commit to continue the advocacy necessary for community integration. Our sincere condolences to Ms. Curtis’ family, friends, and the disability community. 

On October 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice completed their investigation and issued a report with findings that Nevada’s children with behavioral health disabilities are being unnecessary institutionalization in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   

On the same day, Governor Sisolak’s Press Release acknowledged the findings, “For far too long, Nevada has not invested in the appropriate health resources for our children and our families – this new report shines a bright light on that fact. That’s why, over the last year, the State of Nevada has used newly available federal resources to make historic and unprecedented investments to shore up these systems and provide immediate resources and relief to our families and children who need community based behavioral health services.”    

Karen Taycher, Executive Director, Nevada PEP calls on parents and youth to share their voice and experience to guide improvements, “Children with mental health care needs and their families have struggled for many years to access the community-based services that reduce the need for hospitalization or residential care.  This report will drive the necessary systemic improvements, and we commend the recent steps that the State and Governor Sisolak have taken to invest in community-based services such as family peer support, care coordination, respite care, and mobile crisis.  Yet we know that there is more work to be done, Nevada families and youth who have experienced the system look forward to informing and engaging in Children’s Mental Health transformation.”    

To get involved in system transformation activities contact Kendra Gipson (kgipson@nvpep.org)  from our Statewide Family Network program at Nevada PEP.   

May 13, 2022 – Our condolences to the family and friends of Julie Beckett.  In the early 1980’s Julie a tireless advocate for children with disabilities, as the determined mother fought the federal bureaucracy for coverage of her daughter’s in-home medical costs, referred to as the Katie Beckett Waiver.  Her advocacy has and continues help hundreds of thousands of children grow up with their families rather than in hospitals and institutions.  Julie’s legacy lives on in each and every family that benefits from her passion.  

May 15, 2022 – Paula F. Goldberg will be remembered as a champion for children with disabilities and a mentor to parent centers across the country. We join with all who knew her to mourn her loss. Paula co-founded PACER in 1977 under her leadership, PACER has provided the resources, information, and training to help thousands of families navigate education, mental health, and medical systems so that their children with disabilities receive the services and supports they need. Paula was also instrumental in the founding of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006, which actively leads social change to prevent childhood bullying and keep youth safe in their schools, communities, and online. A respected leader in the parent center network, Paula supported the development of parent centers across the country and served as a mentor for many center directors.

Paula was an extraordinary individual with incredible vision. We will miss her spirit, compassion, and wisdom.