Patrick administration opposes quick change in prison policy Dec 12, 2007
The Disability Law Center, which provides legal assistance to the disabled, said in its lawsuit that housing the mentally ill under such conditions amounts to cruel and unusual punishment and should be banned. It also said the practice of isolating mentally ill inmates runs counter to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws. (Boston Globe)
Prison, the new madhouse Dec 10, 2007
Now the Disability Law Center is suing DOC in federal court. It demands the construction of residential treatment centers in the system's maximum-security prisons, where none now exist. (Boston Globe)
UMass finds gap between studies, real life Dec 10, 2007
Said Richard M. Glassman, litigation director for the Disability Law Center: "We filed the lawsuit because their feet need to be held to the fire.". The shortage of secure facilities for seriously mentally ill inmates can make one key job for prison mental health staff seem all but futile. (Boston Globe)
Pasadena man's mental state may jump-start trial Dec 9, 2007
Laura L. Cain, managing attorney for the adult mental health unit of the Maryland Disability Law Center, said there is a low threshold to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial, including an understanding of how the legal process works and being able to assist in his defense. But she said that just because a defendant takes his medications and has been declared competent to make decisions about his medical care does not automatically mean that he can stand trial. (SunSpot.net)
Cultural factors undermining development of disabled Dec 5, 2007
He called on government to implement the disability law and establish national council on disability and give serious consideration to the representation of disabled persons at all levels of decision-making. Mr. Justin B. Dakorah, District Chief Executive for the area assured them of the assembly's support for them to benefit from government's interventions to enable them to contribute their quota to national development. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Harlan to speak at mental illness workshop - Free workshop to be held Wednesday at St. John's United Church of Christ Nov 13, 2007
will speak on How to Start a NAMI Chapter in Boonville and answer questions about disability law. Harlan is a graduate of Boonville High School, Westminster College and the University of Missouri-Columbia Law School. (Boonville Daily News, MO)
West End divided over planned pedestrian bridge Nov 7, 2007
"Nobody in a wheelchair is going to use the ramps, so it's a waste of money that could [otherwise] be spent on elevators," said Robert Whitney, president of the board of the Massachusetts Disability Law Center. The bridge debate has excited passions in the neighborhood for more than a year. (Boston Globe)
Accessibility Audit Tour by Parliament Oct 25, 2007
The tour under a project titled; "Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana, took the team on Tuesday to facilities, including the new Presidential Office Complex at the Flagstaff House, Parliament House, the STC Yard, Kwame Nkrumah Circle Overhead and the Peduase Lodge at Aburi. According to the Committee Chairman, Mr Paul Okoh, it was important that all able-bodies and institutions came to terms with the Disability Law, Act 715, which was passed over a... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Federation of the Disabled to act against disabled beggars Oct 15, 2007
He said the Disability Law and its enforcement underlined that collective responsibility. 14 Oct. 07. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Landmark Fair Housing Lawsuit Reaches a Settlement Sep 8, 2007
In the landmark case, the Maryland Disability Law Center, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City had jointly filed the suit alleging that the city had intentionally and illegally excluded thousands of people with disabilities from public housing ... Assuming the court approves the arrangement, each of the identified victims will receive about $1,300 sometime in the next few months, according to Lauren Young, the disability law center director. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Firefighter's discrimination charge clears legal hurdle Sep 7, 2007
They could deny a request for extra time, for instance, if the test closely simulates a real-life job, said Scott LaBarre, a Colorado attorney and chairman of the American Bar Association's Commission on Mental Health and Physical Disability Law. The city would be within its rights if the test were a mock fire scene or hazardous materials spill, LaBarre said. (Stamford Advocate)
Make public buildings accessible to the disabled Aug 18, 2007
1 million people out of a population of 21 million faced various physical disabilities that the Disability Law must be operated to address. She said views expressed at the discussions, which would be replicated in other parts of the country, would help government and society adopt measures, including the passing of legislative instruments, to sustain the provision in the Act. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Touchscreen Voting Machines Won't Be Part of City Elections Aug 15, 2007
"So there's no violation of the law occurring here, but what we're interested in as disability advocates is certainly that people with disabilities come as close to a private and independent vote all of the time in every election," said Peri Jude Radecic, executive director of the Arizona Center for Disability Law. Diebold touchscreen machines are only required for disabled voters in federal elections. (KOLD.com, AZ)
Many use handicap permits illegally Aug 13, 2007
"It's incredibly unfortunate that people would misuse these essential placards, particularly in light of how limited the number of accessible parking spots [is] in the city and elsewhere," said Stan Eichner, a lawyer with the Disability Law Center. Andrea Estes can be reached at. (Boston Globe)
We owe a duty to people with disability Aug 12, 2007
It is not in dispute that the mere passage of the Disability Law is not a total answer to the problem of discrimination towards disabled persons ... Section 4 of the Disability Law makes it an offence to use a person with disability unfairly for your advantage ... The Disability law (Popular Version), by C.C.D-Ghana. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Renowned Activist Calls on Congress to End Power of States to Punish Lawyers for Criticizing Judges Aug 5, 2007
He was invited to address the subject at a national judicial reform conference to be hosted on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at Rice University in Houston, Texas by National Judicial Conduct and Disability Law Project, Inc. (NJCDLP) ... National Judicial Conduct and Disability Law Project Inc. ZENA CRENSHAW 219. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Trust Fund Launches Regional Fund Raising in Koforidua Aug 5, 2007
He said government, in its efforts to mobilize the human resources towards the development of the nation, had not left out people with disabilities hence the enactment of the Disability Law. Mr Barimah said this year categories of awards in the form of certificates had been instituted for contributors. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Power for disabled comes with acceptance Jul 25, 2007
Rather than pursuing pre-veterinary studies, she embarked on a self-designed major in disability law and advocacy at Geneva College, with the goal of teaching teens what it means to move forward in life with a disability. Today, she is carrying out that plan. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Bilateral donors support is based on political agenda Jul 11, 2007
"The fundamental basis for funding any project were basically influenced by the comparative advantage for attaining the political, social-economic and other milieu agenda of the funding institution or government, he stated in Accra. Dr. Rachmeler, who was contributing to civil society dialoguing on Citizen Government Engagement on the disability law and towards the passage of a broadcasting law in Ghana urged developing countries to question the basis for funding. He said mis-understanding and... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NDC Is Out Of Coverage Area- NPP Youth Organiser Jul 4, 2007
Again, the NPP government has passed the disability law, made provison for MSLC holders to pursue diploma courses and instituted car loan schemes for teachers as well as affordable houses for all workers. "Under the NPP, 20,000 land lines have been provided compared to the 4000 lines provided by the NDC". (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Student fights for ability to score May 10, 2007
"The struggle here is to figure out a way to include students so that they have an opportunity to compete," said Lauren Young, a Maryland Disability Law Center attorney who is representing McFadden. She told U.S. District Court Judge Andre M. Davis that by not allowing McFadden to score points, state athletic officials are sending the message that "'you don't count for your team,' and that's not the message you want to send.". (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Balancing education of special-needs students May 5, 2007
Still, Edward Myers, director of litigation with the Arizona Center for Disability Law, said that school districts could better serve the state's nearly 125,000 special-education students and reduce complaints if they adequately updated students' IEPs, the most common infraction. Districts aim to improve. (AZCentral -- News)
Four to be honored at Northwesterns Alumni Banquet Apr 24, 2007
Through the years, Seeger-Newby has served as executive director of the Oklahoma Disability Law Center, superintendent of Schools for Watts, chief of staff of the Oklahoma State Department of Education and assistant state superintendent. A native of Gate, Seeger-Newby is married to Dr. Linda Wilson. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Colleges walk fine line with troubled students Apr 22, 2007
It pits safety against the protections of privacy and disability law and can leave schools unsure how to act ... "It will permanently alter college campuses. The public may call for more safety and less disability law, and we're going to see a quick change in the culture in terms of the response and identification of high-risk individuals." Lawsuits over the actions of Cho Seung-Hui, who killed 32 on campus Tuesday before killing himself, are virtually inevitable, experts say. (Christian Science Monitor)
Cho raised concern, but had broken no laws Apr 20, 2007
Another lawsuit by a George Washington University student claimed that the school violated the federal disability law when it suspended him after he sought help for depression. "Everyone's going to be looking at those threshold points, and (ask) 'When do we take more drastic action?' " Kruger said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Refusal to enrol disabled an offence - Lawyer Apr 17, 2007
Mr. Jeduah Mahama Abudu, a Legal Practitioner, speaking at a seminar on the Disability Law in Wa on Monday, organised by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD)-Ghana with USAID sponsorship said should also not discriminate against them. In a presentation on Post Enactment Activities of the Disability Act 715, he said under the law derogatory names on persons with disabilities should be discouraged to avoid legal action. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Disabled riders uneasy about MARTA plans Apr 3, 2007
Some disabled riders feel they should have access to the same fares offered to other customers, but the law doesn't require MARTA to pass on discounted fares to paratransit users, said Uche Egemonye, executive director of the Disability Law and Policy Center of Georgia, based in Decatur. Egemonye also stressed that nothing is preventing MARTA from passing on the discounts. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Inmate, 27, hangs self at Bridgewater hospital Apr 1, 2007
A lawsuit filed in US District Court by the Disability Law Center Inc. contends that one-quarter of the 11,000 inmates in the state prison system are mentally ill and criticizes the Department of Correction, saying it keeps hundreds of inmates in isolation too long.. Aranda's death remains under investigation, Wiffin said. (Boston Globe)
Rise of the ADQ Mar 31, 2007
Reasonable accommodation originated in U.S. disability law. It applied to how the disabled should be accommodated without undue burden on others. (Globe and Mail)
Disability Law in Braille/ local languages Mar 22, 2007
Takoradi, March 21, GNA-The Centre for Democratic Development Ghana, will translate the new Disability Law into the various Ghanaians languages and also abridged versions. The aim of the translations is to aid understanding and increased public awareness on the rights of persons with disability in the country. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ex-employees question safety at rehab facility for teens Mar 17, 2007
Several say they are in talks with child advocates at the Arizona Center for Disability Law and are seeking legal action against the facility and its operators, Austin, Texas-based Youth and Family Centered Services ... Ed Myers, litigation director for the Arizona Center for Disability Law, said the agency "does not comment on pending investigations.". (AZCentral -- News)
Zero in on prison suicides Mar 15, 2007
Last week, the nonprofit Disability Law Center sued the prison system in US District Court seeking to modify the use of long-term solitary confinement for mentally ill prisoners ... The Disability Law Center makes a strong case that some mental illnesses are so profound that sufferers should never be placed in segregation. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Inmate, 31, commits suicide in prison cell Mar 12, 2007
The death also followed a federal lawsuit that the Disability Law Center filed on Thursday against the Department of Correction after a yearlong investigation during which advocates questioned inmates in segregation units at Souza-Baranowski and MCI-Cedar Junction. The suit alleged that Massachusetts has ignored repeated calls from its mental health providers and consultants to stop segregating mentally ill prisoners and demanded that the state build maximum-security residential treatment units. (Boston Globe)
Suit urges state to overhaul prisons Mar 9, 2007
Stanley J. Eichner, executive director of the Disability Law Center, spoke yesterday as Leslie Walker, director of Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services, looked on ... The Disability Law Center, a nonprofit organization that provides legal help for the disabled, sued the state Department of Correction in US District Court in Boston after a yearlong investigation during which the advocates questioned more than 220 inmates in segregation units at two maximum-security prisons, Souza-Baranowski... (Boston Globe)
Prisons violate rights of mentally ill inmates, lawsuit claims Mar 9, 2007
The lawsuit filed yesterday in U.S. District Court by the Disability Law Center Inc. claims that the treatment of mentally ill prisoners is a violation of the Constitution and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. "These prisoners are subjected to horrific conditions which cause them to harm themselves significantly and all too often in a fatal manner," said Stanley Eichner, the law center's executive director. (The Standard-Times, MA)
Disabilities groups hope for more funding Feb 28, 2007
"We live in one of the oldest cities in America ," Executive Director of the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts, Stain Eichner, said. But according to his group and other advocacy groups, the city's historic nature is not enough of an excuse for wheelchair access to be as outdated as the cobblestone sidewalks and narrow streets that wind through the city. (Boston University Daily Free Press, MA)
Former inmate's mother upset over bill remedying court loss Feb 26, 2007
Barbara Prine, a lawyer with the Disability Law Project of Vermont Legal Aid, said going to the Human Rights Commission is easier and cheaper for all sides than going to court. And she said there have been ample causes over the years for disabled prisoners to do so. (WCAX.com, VT)
Community calendar Feb 22, 2007
Featuring Judith Saltzman from the disability law firm Hickman and Lowder, speaking on issues in special education. For reservations, respond to or. (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Living)
GFD threatens legal action against district assemblies Feb 21, 2007
It would also facilitate equal opportunity for persons with disability to participate fully in the decision making process and to push for the implementation of the disability law. He said the Centre had taken the initiative to produce an abridged version of the Act and would also translate it into six local languages for public dissemination in order to aid understanding as well as increased public awareness of the rights of PWDs in Ghana. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
‹ Pioneers' Home rejects 92-year-old Feb 19, 2007
She's called adult protective services, the long-term care ombudsman, the Disability Law Center of Alaska and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority ... Ron Cowan, an investigator with the Disability Law Center of Alaska, has sent letters to the state assisted living licensing office and to the Anchorage Pioneers' Home administrator about Margeson's situation. (Anchorage Daily News)
Goddard: Wage law applies to disabled Feb 8, 2007
The Legislature should abandon its bill and let the various advocacy groups and sheltered workshops affected by the new wage law work out a solution, said Peri Jude Radecic, director of public advocacy for the Arizona Center for Disability Law. The opinion, plus that from the legislative council, should be reason to "put the brakes on the bill," Radecic said. (AZCentral -- News)
Something great Feb 1, 2007
Artist Carla Gourdin,left, helps Claire Boman with a poster that she is creating for a contest that is sponsored by Utah's Disability Law Center ... Everybody, inside of them, has something they re great at, Sheri Newton, an educational outreach coordinator with Utah s Disability Law Center, told a group of children at Edith Bowen ... Eric Mitchell, of the Disability Law Center, said he hopes the winning poster will be sent all over Utah, spreading the message that everyone can. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Rosewood warned of funding cutoff Feb 1, 2007
"These findings and others detailed in this report demand leadership from state officials to finally bring an end to segregating individuals into this large, expensive congregate setting," the Maryland Disability Law Center concludes in a report provided to The Sun and set to be released publicly in Annapolis today. "Our call to close Rosewood joins the demands from others across the state, with at least 16 advocacy groups taking a stand on closure.". (SunSpot.net)
Greeter challenges Wal-Mart policy Jan 30, 2007
A key factor in deciding whether Flory's request is reasonable is whether granting it would mean she can't fully do the job, disability law experts said last week ... A ruling from the judge is expected at any time, said Flory's attorney, Meg Allison of the Disability Law Center of Alaska, which is not charging a fee to represent her. (Anchorage Daily News)
Pets may be federally protected tenants Jan 24, 2007
The nonprofit Disability Law Center of Alaska, for instance, hears about two complaints of illegal restrictions every month ... "The landlord should talk to HUD," said Marbeth Johns of the Disability Law Center. (Anchorage Daily News)
Mayor of London commends Ghana on the disabled Jan 23, 2007
Ho, Jan. 22, GNA - Mr John Studdard, Mayor of London, has commended the Ghana government for initiating the country's Disability Law and setting aside five percent of the District Assemblies' Common Fund to support the physically handicapped. He also praised the country's 8,500 strong volunteer scheme describing it as "a role model not only for Africa but also the rest of the world". (Ghana Web, Ghana)
4 deaf people sue Dakota County over lack of interpreter Jan 23, 2007
"Some of those responders laughed at them, threw the cards back at them," said Roderick Macpherson III, who works for the Minnesota Disability Law Center, a nonprofit law firm. "Other people were a little bit more sympathetic," he said, "but nobody seemed to know how to get an interpreter.". (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
State official: Disability rights apply on fire captain test Jan 15, 2007
They can refuse to give extra time, for instance, if the test closely simulates the real-life job, said Scott LaBarre, a Colorado attorney and chairman of the American Bar Association's Commission on Mental Health and Physical Disability Law. If the test were a simulated fire scene or hazardous materials spill, the city would be justified in denying Lenotti's request for extra time, LaBarre said. (Stamford Advocate)
Disabled athlete wins case Jan 13, 2007
McFadden is represented by the Maryland Disability Law Center ... Lauren Young, a lawyer from the Maryland Disability Law Center who represented McFadden, said the state should follow Howard's lead. (Columbia Flier, MD)
Wheelchair athlete wins right to compete with teammates Jan 11, 2007
McFadden, represented by the Maryland Disability Law Center, received a preliminary injunction in April that allowed her to race with teammates until the case could be heard. But in May, she was disqualified from a state track race after she was accused of pacing a teammate. (CNN -- Education)
Wheelchair athlete can compete in track events under agreement Jan 10, 2007
free sports contests you can play every week to earn raffle tickets and bid for prizes. Beat Jerry is in playoff mode: Make your picks against Sentinel columnist Jerry Greene. (Orlando Sentinel)
Ashley's story Jan 5, 2007
Upon consultation with a lawyer specialising in disability law, we found out that the law does not apply to Ashley's case due to the severity of her disability, which makes voluntary reproduction impossible. The law is intended to protect women with mild disability who might chose to become pregnant at some future point, and should have the right to do so. (Guardian Unlimited)
Eight residents of Rosewood Dec 13, 2006
Meanwhile, investigators for the Office of Health Care Quality gave Rosewood virtually spotless reports in recent years, said Lauren Young, director of litigation for the Maryland Disability Law Center in Baltimore. "That raised lots of red flags for us," Young said. (Towson Jeffersonian, MD)
Activists: Center must close Dec 13, 2006
"This is not a facility you are going to turn around," said Lauren Young, director of litigation for the Maryland Disability Law Center in Baltimore, which has tracked problems at Rosewood since the 1980s ... In September, five disability rights organizations, including the Maryland Disability Law Center, called on the state to close Rosewood by December 2008 and move all of its residents to community-based programs. (Towson Jeffersonian, MD)
Set up national council of the disabled - Disabled Dec 6, 2006
Accra, Dec. 5, GNA - The President of the Ghana Federation (GFD) of the Disabled, Mr Yaw Ofori Debrah on Tuesday appealed to the Government to expedite moves to set up and appoint executives of the National Council of the Disabled (NCD) as it would be the pivot on which the effectiveness of the Disability Law would hinge ... Mr Dedrah was speaking at the opening of a roundtable organized by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) to discuss the implementation, monitoring, evaluation... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Supervisor must keep HIV-positive status secret Dec 3, 2006
Under both the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101) and state disability law (ORS 659A.100), employers are required to keep employee medical information confidential and in a secure location that is separate from the personnel file. Such information can only be disclosed to supervisors when they have a business need to know. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Rosewood strives for progress Nov 26, 2006
Officials at the Maryland Disability Law Center called on Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. to move most of Rosewood's residents into community facilities and devote its resources to those who have been committed by the courts. "We have been complaining about conditions at this facility for years," said Lauren Young of the law center's litigation center. (SunSpot.net)
Rosewood works to allay complaints Nov 17, 2006
"But I don't have any confidence that the bad practices are over because of the history of that facility," said Rachel London, a Disability Law Center attorney who has represented Rosewood residents for two years. "The underlying issue is continuous rights violations. We have been seeing it for years and we have complained about it for years, and that's not going to be fixed.". (Owings Mills Times, MD)
Voters handicapped Nov 16, 2006
"I feel like we have a right to vote like everybody else votes - independently and privately." With help from an attorney for the Rhode Island Disability Law Center, she and her husband filed an administrative complaint Oct. 23 with the state Board of Elections detailing their problems voting in the primary ... According to the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems, under which the 50 state disability law centers work, the AutoMark machine also has a dual switch input allowing... (Pawtucket Times, RI)
Tipping the balance Nov 9, 2006
Employment, disability law and probate attract women in slightly disproportionate numbers, local sources say, and there has been a recent uptick in interest in securities law and construction. "In the construction development area -- where a few of us were routinely, and are often times still, the only women-- I think it has been a good thing," said Tami Boeck, shareholder in charge of the Sacramento office of Bullivant Houser Bailey. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Vote-machine glitches cause headaches Nov 8, 2006
Alison Draper, an advocate at the Disability Law Center, said volunteers had checked the state's polling places in the past two weeks to ensure the disabled would have access, and a number of problems were discovered. "A lot of counties have made significant effort," Draper said. (Deseret News)
Disability law is defective, says lawyer Nov 7, 2006
Law lecturer Dr. Kwadwo Appiagyei- Atua says there are too many deficiencies in the recently passed disability law, which will make its implementation difficult. While admitting that the passage of the disability law is a giant step at recognizing the rights of People with Disability (PWD), Dr. Appiagyei- Atua says the numerous defects and omissions can make it difficult for the law to achieve its intended purpose ... Presenting a paper on the New Disability Law in Ghana: the way forward... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Blind Web users sue Target Oct 26, 2006
In 2002, Southwest Airlines fended off a similar challenge after a Miami judge found that federal disability law did not apply to the airline's website because a "virtual" ticket counter is not a physical place. Southwest's Brandy King says the airline opposed the lawsuit because it believed its website complied with federal disability law. (USA Today)
A slightly less `Just Society' Oct 2, 2006
David Baker, who specializes in disability law, was heartsick when he heard the news. He has used the Court Challenges Program to win sign language interpretation for deaf clients, to require VIA Rail to make its trains wheelchair accessible and to ensure that caregivers get fair pensions. (Toronto Star -- Opinion)
Report scolds disabled center Sep 29, 2006
"It's been a pretty huge deal for us dealing with the problems there. The violations are horrific and illegal," said Lauren Young, director of litigation at the Maryland Disability Law Center, whose organization has called for Rosewood's closure. Rosewood was founded in 1888 as the Asylum and Training School for the Feeble Minded. (SunSpot.net)
