Cody and Kaleigh Brendle grew up just inland of the Jersey Shore. The siblings, who both have disabilities, came of age knowing it is their right to live, learn and work in their community.
Not long ago, millions of people like them could have been segregated in institutions. Then in 1999, in a case known as Olmstead, the Supreme Court ruled states must serve adults with disabilities in their communities when possible. Now, the Trump administration is trying to reverse course.
NPR’s Jonaki Mehta spent time with the Brendles, who share what it means to live as disabled people integrated in their community.
This episode was produced by Janet Woojeong Lee, Erika Ryan and Karen Zamora, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane. Our director is Jonas Adams.
It was edited by Steve Drummond, Nirvi Shah and Sarah Handel.
Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.
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