Loving History, Working Not to Repeat It with Tara Rowe

Episode Description

What can Idaho's history teach us about the future of disability rights?

In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Tara Rowe, an independent historian, scholar, and disability advocate, for a conversation about the intersection of history, disability, and public policy.

Tara discusses her research into Idaho's history of institutionalization and what that history can teach us about the language and policy debates happening today. The conversation looks at the evolution of institutions, the movement toward community-based services, and the importance of understanding how ideas that may sound new can have deep historical roots.

Jeremy and Tara also discuss her recent Idaho Capital Sun commentary on institutionalization, the Department of Justice's findings regarding Idaho, and the legacy of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision establishing the right of people with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

More broadly, they talk about why history matters—not simply as something to study, but as a tool for recognizing patterns, understanding how systems develop, and asking better questions about the choices we make today.

It's a conversation about Idaho history, disability rights, institutionalization, independence, and why understanding where we've been matters when deciding where we're going.

About Our Guest

Tara Rowe is an independent historian, scholar, writer, and advocate for people with disabilities who frequently writes commentary on Idaho history and politics.

Born and raised in southern Idaho, Tara is an alumna of Idaho State University, where she earned degrees in History and Political Science and completed graduate study in interdisciplinary History and Political Science.

Her scholarship spans Idaho history and politics, early 20th-century American history, public health, disability history, and the Independent Living Movement. She contributed to Idaho's Place: A New History of the Gem State and has contributed work to a forthcoming volume on women in Idaho history from Washington State University Press.

Tara's professional and public-service experience has included historical research, archival work, writing, historic preservation, and disability advocacy. She currently serves as Chair of the Idaho State Independent Living Council and as a member of the Independent Living Training & Technical Assistance Center Advisory Council.

She lives in Twin Falls, Idaho.