October 13, 2006
Under an August 2007 Settlement Agreement, each California local education agency (LEA) will manage the delivery of diabetes care for students whose Individualized Education Programs or 504 Plans require administration of insulin and related services during the school day. The CDE issued a Legal Advisory to all California school districts providing guidance on health care services for students with diabetes and outlining the rights of these students under federal anti-discrimination and special education statutes.
Laguna Honda Hospital
October 13, 2006
In 2006, six residents of Laguna Honda Hospital, joined by the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRCSF) in San Francisco, filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court to challenge San Francisco's discriminatory actions resulting in their unnecessary confinement at Laguna Honda Hospital, a more than 1,000 - bed nursing facility owned and operated by the City. The suite alleged that the plaintiffs were capable of, and would prefer to live in their own homes or in the community. In September 2008, Judge William Alsup approved a settlement that greatly increased community-based housing, service options and coordination of care.
Laguna Honda Press Release
October 13, 2006
San Francisco, California — Six residents of Laguna Honda Hospital, joined by the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRCSF) in San Francisco, filed a class-action lawsuit, Mark Chambers et al. v. City and County of San Francisco, in federal court to challenge San Francisco's discriminatory actions resulting in their unnecessary confinement at Laguna Honda Hospital, a more than 1,000- bed nursing facility owned and operated by the City. The plaintiffs are capable of, and would prefer to live in their own homes or in the community.
Specialized Physical Health Services at Risk in California Public Schools
September 21, 2006
AB 1667, opposed by DREDF, was signed into law on September 21, 2006. Parents and guardians are urged to contact DREDF if they find that they cannot secure necessary specialized physical health care services in school due to unavailability of nurses.
USDOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, ADA
June 3, 2006
DOT is proposing to add to its regulation a provision requiring ADA transportation providers to make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the transit agency can show that the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service or activity, or would result in undue administrative or financial burdens or a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
K-Mart Settlement
May 25, 2006
"Class Action Settlement Allows Certain K-Mart Shoppers Who Use a Wheelchair or Scooter to Get a Payment - deadline to object to settlement is July 7, 2006, and deadline to apply for payment is August 16, 2006"
24 Hour Fitness Welcomes Patrons with Disabilities
December 13, 2005
Through an amicable collaboration, the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Inc. ("DREDF") and 24 Hour Fitness have reached consensus regarding issues concerning access for patrons with disabilities at 24 Hour Fitness clubs. The gym chain has confirmed its long-standing commitment to comply with disability rights laws by making reasonable modifications to club policies to enable people with disabilities to participate in fitness activities.
Visually Impaired Beneficiaries sue SSA
November 16, 2005
DREDF filed suit against the Social Security Administration on behalf of individuals with vision impairments.
Blind Beneficiaries Sue Social Security Administration
November 16, 2005
SSA Fails to Provide Accessible Communications
The American Council of the Blind and a group of individuals who are blind or have vision impairments today filed a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), alleging that the agency fails to provide the most basic accommodations to its blind applicants and beneficiaries.
ACB v. SSA
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November 16, 2005
Over one hundred thousand blind and visually impaired Americans rely on benefits from the Social Security Administration ("SSA") to meet their basic needs. They are among the 48 million Americans who receive benefits from the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance ("OASDI") program based on an earnings history, and the seven million Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") based on financial need and either age, blindness, or other disabilities. Despite the obvious and critical importance of these benefits, SSA regularly communicates with blind and visually impaired persons in standard print format, which they cannot read. SSA regularly suspends the benefits of blind and visually impaired recipients for failing to comply with requirements set forth in standard print documents that they cannot read and for failing to return printed forms that they cannot complete. As a result, many have suffered extreme financial and personal hardship.