Disabilities

Law helps young people with disabilities transition into adulthood

July 16, 2007 -- SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that allows young people with disabilities to continue receiving the services necessary to help them transition smoothly into adulthood. House Bill 817, sponsored by State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview) and State Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) clarifies the definition of “children with disabilities” to include students through age 21.    » read more »

New Bipartisan Insurance Program Would Help Those With Severe Functional Impairments Gain Independence

July 10, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C— Today, Senators Edward Kennedy and Tom Harkin and Representatives John Dingell and Frank Pallone introduced the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2007 that would create an insurance program for adults who become functionally disabled.    » read more »

AMES, Iowa, July 3, 2007 -Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that thousands of disabled farmers in 21 states will have access to education and assistance to continue farming through the funding of more than $3.7 million for "AgrAbility" projects.

"Disabilities should not prevent someone from having a career in agriculture," said Johanns. "These AgrAbility projects enhance the quality of life for farmers with disabilities and their families, and provide them with the tools they need to be successful."    » read more »

CHICAGO July 2, 2007 -- The United States Supreme Court correctly halted the execution of Scott Panetti and remanded the case for further proceedings at the trial level.

The Court’s decision was grounded in an essential and important acknowledgement of the severity of some mental illnesses.

The ABA, which filed an amicus brief in this case, has called for a ban on the execution of death row prisoners who, for reason of mental disorder or disability, fail to understand the nature and purpose of their punishment, or to appreciate the reason for its imposition.    » read more »

Qualified Interpreters Now Required in All Circumstances Specified by Americans with Disabilities Act

June 29, 2007 - LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed legislation that requires the use of qualified sign language interpreters who possess state or national certification in all accommodations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), making the scope of Michigan's law comparable to the federal law. Approximately 1.4 million Michigan citizens are deaf or hard of hearing.    » read more »

Colorado Governor Ritter also signs 14 additional bills late Wednesday afternoon

May 30, 2007 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed seven bills into law today that directly assist senior citizens, people with disabilities and those who suffer from mental illness and debilitating cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Later in the day, Gov. Ritter signed an additional 14 bills into law.    » read more »

Central Florida retirement community must accommodate disabled resident

May 29, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that a disabled Central Florida resident must be reasonably accommodated by her retirement community under Florida’s Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act.    » read more »

Report Recommends Ways to Remove Barriers to Care, Assistive Services

April 24, 2007 -- WASHINGTON -- Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped increase awareness of barriers faced by people with disabilities, and advances in science and engineering have led to better assistive technologies that make it easier for individuals to lead productive, independent lives, outdated regulations too often impede access to health care coverage and assistive devices for many who need them, says a new report by the Institute of Medicine.    » read more »