Disability Rights Louisiana

This morning, the federal court in Shreveport issued an opinion and remedial order holding that conditions and care at David Wade Correctional Center, near Homer, Louisiana, continue to violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Today’s ruling from the court followed a 14-day bench trial in January and February 2023. The Court has now ordered that the State must remedy the unconstitutional conditions and will appoint experts to ensure that it happens. Disability Rights Louisiana is gratified that the Court has today entered an order that should now force the State to remedy the conditions, previously described as physical and mental torture, and finally provide adequate mental health care, in appropriate conditions of confinement, to men who are incarcerated at David Wade. Melanie Bray, DRLA Director of Legal Programs and Advocacy and lead counsel, stated, “When people with mental illness are sent to a state prison as punishment for a crime, the state has an obligation to provide baseline mental health care to them. The Court has found that mental health care at DWCC remains below minimally acceptable standards, and that men there are continuing to suffer greatly as a result of the state’s indifference. Today’s decision affirms that the state did little to correct the conditions of care even after the Court’s 2022 ruling finding unconstitutional violations. Now, the Court has ordered the appointment of experts to oversee the remedy of those deficiencies.” https://lnkd.in/gWezdDkf

Thank you to WDSU News for shining the spotlight on the importance of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), as we marked its 34th anniversary this past Friday. Our Executive Director, Ranie Thompson, elaborates on how we utilize the ADA to raise the voices, and fight for the rights of people with disabilities in Louisiana: https://lnkd.in/dsSJJ5BP

Today we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Passed in 1990, the ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Disability Rights Louisiana provides free civil legal aid and programmatic services to people with disabilities in Louisiana of all ages. Much of this work, in addition to our work on policy and community outreach, helps to ensure that employers, state and local governments, businesses open to the public, commercial facilities, transportation providers, and telecommunication companies are following the requirements of the ADA. This law, advanced by the work of so many passionate, knowledgeable advocates and signed by President George H.W. Bush is the backbone to ensuring equal access in so many areas of our lives and those we care about. These include the right to receive essential health services, access to buildings and programs, equal opportunities in employment and education, accessible housing, the rights of those in institutions, protection for those receiving benefits such as Social Security, access to assistive technology, the ability to vote, and programs helping with storm recovery. Follow this link https://lnkd.in/gSn4q-cR to learn more. Join us in celebrating the ADA, which is so essential to our ongoing fight to protect, advocate for, and empower people with disabilities across our state to thrive in our communities, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. #ADA34 #thankstotheada33

This week we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. Passed in 1990, the ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Disability Rights Louisiana provides free civil legal aid and programmatic services to people with disabilities in Louisiana of all ages. Much of this work, in addition to our work on policy and community outreach, helps to ensure that employers, state and local governments, businesses open to the public, commercial facilities, transportation providers, and telecommunication companies are following the requirements of the ADA. This law, advanced by the work of so many passionate, knowledgeable advocates and signed by President George H.W. Bush is the backbone to ensuring equal access in so many areas of our lives and those we care about. These include the right to receive essential health services, access to buildings and programs, equal opportunities in employment and education, accessible housing, the rights of those in institutions, protection for those receiving benefits such as Social Security, access to assistive technology, the ability to vote, and programs helping with storm recovery. Follow this link https://lnkd.in/gSn4q-cR to learn more. Join us in celebrating the ADA, which is so essential to our ongoing fight to protect, advocate for, and empower people with disabilities across our state to thrive in our communities, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. #ADA34 #thankstotheada33

“The Voting Rights Act gives people with disabilities the right to assistance in voting by anyone they trust,” said attorney Andrew Bizer, of Bizer & DeReus. “These new laws make that nearly impossible for people living in nursing or group homes. These laws are undemocratic and must be stopped.” Bizer also says the laws will impede voters with disabilities from exercising their voting rights. "Nursing homes and group homes will send out memos to their employees saying it is a crime if you help more than one person just deliver their ballot to the post office just put it in the mailbox. It is very clear what will happen if these laws are left unchallenged." For the full story from WBRZ-TV visit this link: https://lnkd.in/g7zRqhXs To read the full press release and filed complaint, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/d8qUFWnB

Attorney Melanie Bray of Disability Rights Louisiana stated, “These laws unnecessarily restrict people with disabilities, who are some of Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations, from voting. We think this challenge to these laws is necessary to protect those voices and ensure they have equal access to voting." Click this link for the full story from WBRZ-TV: https://lnkd.in/dDFuRZ7t Click this link to read the full press release and filed complaint on our website: https://lnkd.in/d8qUFWnB

We are excited to share this cover story from Exceptional Times magazine, produced by Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans, featuring DRLA's Client Assistance Program (CAP) Manager, Jeannie Doiron: "From Challenges to CEO: How My Non-Speaking Son With Autism Built a Thriving Delivery Business." Jeannie shares the story of her son Lucas’ business, Lucas Delivers, which shows how an innovative idea met with community support now serves the community in Thibodaux by delivering locally grown food and items directly to homes and offices. “He is not just IN his community, he is a PART of his community.” Please read the article attached for the full story! https://lnkd.in/gnDvjSr4

Happy Disability Pride Month! July 26th is the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA - a landmark law protecting the rights of people with disabilities. We celebrate the diversity and achievements of the disability community, and show our solidarity with all people with disabilities. #DisabilityPride

25 years ago today the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v L.C. that people with disabilities have a right to receive care in their communities and that the default treatment option was not to lock people away in institutions. Today we celebrate how far we've come, and recognize the work that still needs to be done to ensure all members of our community are free. That progress would not have been possible without the courage of Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson. The fought for freedom all the way to the Supreme Court. And our movement forever owes them a debt.

Are you looking for work, and in need of help with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)? Don’t miss this upcoming webinar next Thursday night, June 13th at 7:00pm, by Special Needs and Parent Support Service of LA. “Ask Daryn”, featuring DRLA’s CAP Client Advocate, Daryn Broussard, which will give you the opportunity to ask a knowledgeable, experienced advocate about your rights—and what Disability Rights Louisiana can do for you. Register here: https://lnkd.in/erXBhtGN Make sure to catch these other helpful webinars in June from SNAPSS LA: June 11th: All-Hazards Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities and Complex Medical Care Needs - 7pm Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eQX59AjW June 14th: Health Issues and the IEP - 12 noon Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eiGec-hf Or visit: www.KarenScallan.com to register today! For more information, please call 504-300-5117 or email snapsslahelpline@gmail.com