The Disability Law Center

 The Protection & Advocacy Agency for  Massachusetts 

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DLC in the News

  Mother says she was barred from seeing disabled daughter at Brockton High School  
  Common sense should prevail, said attorney Matthew Engel, head of the education team at the Disability Law Center. “Generally, you try to balance competing ...
  Enterprise News - Brockton,Massachusetts  September 9, 2008
 
  YOUR VIEW: Parents must work together for special education
  On May 17, there is a meeting put on by the Disability Law Center, which will explain Massachusetts public special education laws. This is a free meeting. After the meeting, there will be free legal consultation.
  South Coast Today.com  May 14, 2008
 
  Richmond man ready to fulfill marathon dream
  Rick Niersbach describes his situation as humbling. The 55-year-old Richmond man is about to fulfill a dream: He's a few days from running in his first Boston Marathon....
  pal-item.com  April 17, 2008
 
  Ruling means disabled people may live in homes
  The state has reached an agreement in a long-standing class action lawsuit involving disabled people seeking to live outside nursing homes.
  Masslive.com  March 20, 2008
 
  State settles lawsuit seeking community placements for disabled
  BOSTON— The Patrick administration has settled a class action lawsuit filed by disabled residents who want to move out of nursing homes and into the community.
  Worcester Telegram  March 20, 2008
 
  True to a cause
  A longtime advocate for people with disabilities has taken his leave of the Disability Law Center, and is joining the administration of Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
  Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly March 17, 2008
 
  Federal investigators to probe Framingham over SMOC case
  A written statement of the Disability Law Center - a nonprofit that provides free legal service to the disabled in the state - indicates the Wayside Youth and Family Supports Inc., which serves children with disabilities, and Great Brook Valley Health Center, a community health center, have also sued the town in recent years.
 
The MetroWest Daily News  March 13, 2008
 
  Patrick aide spurns prison policy change
  The Disability Law Center, which provides legal assistance to the disabled, said in its lawsuit that housing the mentally ill under such conditions amounts ...
  Boston Globe  Monday December 12, 2007
 
  Prison, the new madhouse
  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 ...
  Boston Globe  Monday December 10, 2007
 
  umass finds gap between studies, real life
  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. ...
  Boston Globe  Monday December 10, 2007
 
  Selectmen seek proof before reinstating officer
Thomas Murphy a senior attorney with the Disability Law Center Inc. based in Boston, said a patient's medical history and certification from a licensed ...
  The Republican - MassLive.com - Springfield,MA  Monday November 19, 2007
 
  Would-be cop sues over medical ban: Denied job as officer force because of insulin pump
  State officials plan to take a “hard look” at whether it still makes sense to screen out police candidates if they use an insulin pump, after a 22-year-old diabetic filed a discrimination complaint because he was barred from becoming a cop.
  Boston Herald Tuesday May 15, 2007
 
  Audit uncovers discrimination against disabled in Newton housing
  NEWTON -- The woman called a real estate agent looking to rent an apartment, and indicated that she uses a wheelchair. Despite promising to call her back about prospects, the agent never did. Another person without a disability called the same agent and was shown an apartment.
  Boston Globe  Sunday April 29, 2007 Read the Final Report
 
  Zero in on prison suicides
  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. Suicides and suicide attempts are escalating, often on the part of prisoners held in cells for as long as 23 hours per day.
  Boston Globe  Thursday March 15, 2007
 
  ACLU and Disability Law Center Applaud Secretary Galvin’s Decision on New Voting Technology
  The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and the Disability Law Center have again joined forces to applaud Secretary of State William F. Galvin’s decision to approve the use in Massachusetts elections of a ballot marking voting machine that is both accessible and secure.
  VoteTrustUSA - Berkeley, CA  Thursday March 15, 2007
 
  Inmate, 31, commits suicide in prison cell
  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.
  Boston Globe  Monday March 12, 2007
 
Mentally Ill Inmates at Risk in Isolation, Lawsuit Says
  “We aren’t saying these folks should go free; we aren’t saying they shouldn’t be under high security conditions,” said Stanley J. Eichner, executive director of the Disability Law Center. But Mr. Eichner said putting prisoners in solitary conditions and denying them adequate mental health services was “literally the fatal flaw in the system.”
  New York Times Friday March 9, 2007          Read the Complaint         Press Release
 
  Suit urges state to overhaul prisons
  Group says mentally ill held in poor conditions
  Boston Globe  Friday March 9, 2007          Read the Complaint         Press Release
 
  Tolman honored by Disability Law Center
  The Disability Law Center will honor the Boston Red Sox, state rep. Ruth B. Balser, Sen. Steven A. Tolman, Foley Hoag LLP and Christine M. Griffin for their commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities at the Law Center's third annual Fundraising Auction on Thursday, September 28, at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport.
  Belmont Citizen-Herald  Thursday September 21, 2006
 
  Obstacles intended to make us better—not bitter
  Obstacles are often the stumbling blocks that become stepping stones to success.
  Haverhill Gazette  Thursday September 7, 2006
 
  A hospital, like a house, no place like home
  Community housing better than custodial care
  Worcester Telegram & Gazette  Sunday September 3, 2006
 
  Voting tool for disabled delayed for primaries
  State elections officials say specially designed voting machines for people with disabilities might not be available at every polling place in time for the Sept. 19 primary election, despite a federal requirement that the machines be in place this year.
  Boston Globe  Sunday Audust 14, 2006
 
  Heat refuels calls to close state hospital
  Rooms at Westborough State Hospital have topped 100 degrees during the height of the summer's heat waves, leaving staff scrambling to cool off patients with Popsicles, showers, and activities in the few air-conditioned rooms.
  Boston Globe  Thursday Audust 10, 2006
 
  Sen. Joyce pushing ban on aversive therapy
  BOSTON - Controversy has dogged the Judge Rotenberg Education Center since it opened in 1971 because of its use of physical punishment, or aversive therapy,
  The Patriot Ledger   Saturday, July 29, 2006
 
  Court fight wins first-class seats on third-base line
 
LeLacheur Park retrofitted to give wheelchair users an up-front view
Boston Globe  Sunday July 23, 2006

DLC Staff Member Mark Kalashian Honored by The Carroll Society

On May 11, 2006, Mark Kalashian, DLC staff member for over eight years, was recognized with a Carroll Award.


Parents of Diabetic, 7, Win a Victory

The 7-year-old girl takes gymnastics and swimming lessons and goes to day camps and after school programs. But in summer 2004, the operators of the Wellesley Sports Club ejected her on her first day in their day-camp program because she had diabetes.

Boston Globe  Tuesday March 21, 2006

Committee OKs Fresh Air Bill
A bill intended to ensure that patients in psychiatric facilities get fresh air every day was voted on favorably yesterday by the Legislature's Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse but not before it was redrafted.
Worcester Telegram & Gazette  Tuesday March 14, 2006

Fresh Air Sought for Mental Patients
Bill calls for daily outdoors time; some hospitals say it’s not needed
Worcester Telegram & Gazette  Monday March 13, 2006

Don't Take Fresh Air for Granted
A committee in Watertown is speaking out for those psychiatric inpatients who lack the right to fresh air. The Committee for Fresh Air Rights was started by Watertown resident Jonathan Dosick, who was unable to speak to the TAB due to his employment at the Disability Law Center.
Townonline  Friday March 10, 2006

City Deal Will Give Disabled More Seats at LeLacheur
LOWELL -- City officials last night confirmed they are near a settlement that will comply with a federal court ruling that they must better accommodate wheelchair-bound fans at LeLacheur Park.
Lowell Sun Monday, February 27,2006

Eichner Named New Disability Law Center Executive Director
The board of directors of the Disability Law Center unanimously voted to appoint Stanley J. Eichner as the new executive director of the law center.
Townonline  Thursday February 23, 2006

EEOC Taps Griffin as EEOC Commissioner
Christine M. Griffin was sworn in as EEOC commissioner, bringing the panel to its five-member complement.
Fednews-online.com  Wednesday, January 4, 2006

Christine Griffin Selected by Lawyers Weekly USA

Eleven attorneys from across the nation have been selected as Lawyers of the Year by Lawyers Weekly USA.

Lawyers Weekly USA  Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Groton Woman Will Work to Protect Worker Rights
Christine Griffin has a way of going back to her past. In her latest incarnation, she is returning to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C.
Lowell Sun Monday, December 5 2005

Headed for D.C.
Advocate for the disabled looks toward US post
Boston Globe Monday, November 14 2005

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate eleven individuals and designate three individuals to serve in his Administration:
Whitehouse.gov (press release)  July 28, 2005

ADA: 'Fifteen years of freedom'
Metro West Daily News  Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Not fare! Disabled rip discount bus company after being denied access
Boston Herald Monday, July 25, 2005

Loading the buses on Marathon Day
Runner Will Sanchez (center), 54, from Manhattan, N.Y., raised $2,400 for the Boston-based Disability Law Center. His cheering section here includes Sakula Suzuki (left), 27, also from Manhattan, and Osbely Tala, 41, from Queens, N.Y.
Boston.com    Staff Photo / Adrienne Lavidor-Berman

Planned DMH changes rile mental health advocates
Proposed mental health regulations allowing psychiatric hospitals to control patients by withholding privileges and imposing other negative consequences has advocates worried.
Boston Herald  April 11, 2005

Special Education Changes Worry Local Educators
Special Education activists are expressing concern over proposed changes in regulations being made by the state Department of Education.
Swampscott Reporter February 3, 2005

Senator Berry Receives DLC Award
State Senator Fred Berry, D-Peabody, majority leader, was the first recipient of the Legislative Leadership Award during the Disability Law Center's 25th Anniversary Benefit that was recently held at the Hilton at Logan Airport. The Legislative Leadership Award was given to Senator Berry for the significant contributions he has made to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Mass. The award was presented on behalf of the Disability Law Center by the senator's good friend and colleague, Senator Robert Havern. Senator Berry, was recognized by the Disability Law Center for his efforts in the Mass. Legislature on behalf of people with disabilities. His legislative successes have provided protection from discrimination, access to affordable housing and protection from abuse and neglect for people with disabilities.
Tri-Town Transcript  October 7, 2004

DLC Receives Organization Advocacy Award

At an award ceremony September 22, 2004, The Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) recognized DLC for its “outstanding system advocacy efforts consistent with the independent living goals and philosophy.” In making the presentation, Joe Bellil, Executive Director of SILC, noted that DLC was selected based upon balloting throughout the Massachusetts ILC community. The Law Center is proud and pleased to enjoy such a wonderful working relationship with the ILC’s. and we are honored to receive such a great award from our partners in the disability rights movement!  See the Award


Lowell Stadium is Found to Violate Disabilities Act
A federal judge has ruled that the city-owned stadium that is home to the Lowell Spinners baseball team discriminates against wheelchair users by failing to offer them premium seats and ordered the city to build front-row, handicapped-accessible seats by the start of the 2005 season.
Boston Globe  September 1, 2004

State Polling Places Seen Lacking - Accessibility Tough for Disabled Voters
Sixty percent of the state's 1,488 polling places did not meet accessibility regulations for disabled voters, according to a survey released yesterday by the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
Associated Press   August 31, 2004  

Managing Chronic Health Conditions on the Job
An increasing number of Americans with medical issues survive -- and thrive -- at work.  
Boston Globe  August 29, 2004  

DLC Secures Agreements with Three Major Banks to Provide Accessible Banking Services
Working with Bay State Council of the Blind and other advocates from the blindness community, DLC secured agreements with Fleet, Sovereign, and Citizens, the three largest banks in New England, to provide accessible banking services. Each of the agreements calls for the installation of Talking ATMs, which provide independent and confidential ATM banking services by means of audio instructions heard through a headset. In addition to the Talking ATMS, each of the banks will also ensure that their websites and printed materials are accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. Click here for details of the Agreements, the press releases announcing the Agreements, or for lists of Talking ATMs for each bank.

Legal Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Book Wins Best Publication Award

 The Disability Law Center, working in conjunction with MCLE, wrote a 24 chapter, two-volume book covering all aspects of disability rights law. The publication, which was published last fall, won the Professional Excellence award in the Best Publication category of the International Association for Continuing Legal Education (ACLEA).  More information and Table of Contents