This case has ramifications for all people with all disabilities, not just those with mental disabilities. The Olmstead decision should be viewed in the context of the 1920's and 30's when States not only sterilized and legally terminated the lives of people with disabilities, but created institutions for those who survived. When professionals reinforce this perception by actively committing people to these institutions, it only strengthens society's view. Obviously, they do. Unfortunately, it's a political reality that the Court further strengthened by its decision.
Bottom line is, unjustified institutionalization stigmatizes, and severely limits a person's life.
They could compare the costs for a person to live in an institution with those required to live in the community. With the Olmstead decision, they made one major change that will greatly affect how placements are made in the future. States must now offer individuals a variety of choices for placement, including living in the community. The Olmstead decision has actually shifted the debate. We've effectively taken the question to the next level.