On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), a comprehensive civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. The law was amended on September 25, 2008, when President George W.Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA […]
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In City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson (U.S. 6/28/2024), the U.S. Supreme Court held that enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property does not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. This decision followed the City of Grants Pass’ adoption of an ordinance restricting homeless individuals from camping […]
Recently the Special Needs Alliance published a new handbook for individuals with disabilities and their advocates. The SNA states: “The intent of this handbook is to explain some of the terms related to services and supports for people with disabilities, to introduce the process of transitioning from child services to adult services, and to provide […]
In this day and age, people are glued to their smart phones and other electronic devices. They hardly look up and old time family dinners are often a thing of the past. Alternatively, people binge watch TV or spend significant time playing video games. None of these activities require or encourage interaction with the real […]
The Arc of the United States has posted more than 40 video programs designed to provide online activities for individuals with disabilities, their families and service providers. Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs and more. Click here for more information.
The procedure commonly referred to as a “1013” is governed by O.C.G.A. Title 37, Chapter 3 (§ 37-3-41 et seq).* The procedure applies to individuals who present a substantial risk of imminent harm to himself, herself or others, as manifested by either recent overt acts or recent expressed threats of violence which present a probability […]
As Psychiatric Advance Directive allows an individual to designate who would make mental health decisions for the patient in the event the patient cannot speak for himself or herself and mental health treatment is required. Currently, 25 States have statutes recognizing the validity of psychiatric advance directives, but other States such as Georgia, are considering […]
On September 1, 2021, the Administration for Community Living posted a guest blog titled “BE WITH: Combating Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Suicide Risk. The blog post describes “how one project is helping build capacity within the aging network to help address social isolation and loneliness and prevent suicide amongst older adults.” Contributors include Laura Shannonhouse, […]
In Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999), the Supreme Court turned treatment for individuals with special needs on its head. Justice Ginsburg, writing for the Court framed the issue presented as follows: “Specifically, we confront the question whether the proscription of discrimination may require placement of persons with mental disabilities in community settings rather […]
