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Health tip for parents of babies who may show early signs of communication delays. While newborns can't speak, they should be trying to communicate in different ways. Learn more about developmental delays and milestones that babies should achieve by their first birthday.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has charged the Founders Pavilion, Inc., of Corning, NY, with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). Founders allegedly violated the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act by asking for family medical history from job applicants and employees.The EEOC also alleged that Founders violated the ADA for refusing to provide an employee with reasonable accommodationsand for firing mployees because of perceived disabilities.
Health & Disability Advocateswill hold afree career fair for jobseekers with disabilities on May 21, 2013 from 1 - 4 p.m. Eastern Time.Jobseekers with disabilities will be able to "Get in Line" to chat with different employers nationwide who are actively recruiting people with disabilities. The chats will be text-based, similar to instant messaging-style chats. No audio or video will be part of the chat.
The National Disability Institute's LEAD Center will hold a webinar on May 29, 2013 from 3:00 – 4:30p.m, which will provide information on two best practices – Customized Employment and Customized Self Employment. Participants will learn how these practices can support job placement efforts for job seekers both with and without disabilities. Register online.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released four revised publications on protection against disability discrimination in the workplace. The publications address how the Americans with Disabilities Actapplies to job applicants and employees with cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. You can find these documents on the EEOC website under "Disability Discrimination, The Question and Answer Series."
The U.S. Department of Justice has signed an agreement with Stewart County, GA, to improveaccess to all aspects of community life for individuals with disabilities. The agreement is part of Project Civic Access,the department's effort to make sure that counties, cities and towns comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The county will make changes to the sheriff's department, health department, senior center, municipal center, recreational vehicle park and polling places.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced that it will be sending persons with disabilities as Sports Envoys to China May 15 – 20, 2013to promote inclusion and equality in sports for persons with disabilities. The Sports Envoy program supports global promotion and practices that respect diversity in sports, and recognition that persons with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as people without disabilities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2013 WORLD CP CHALLENGE
4-week health and wellness activity raises support for people with disabilities
Washington, D.C. (May 16, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is pleased to announce that the registration for the 2013 World Cerebral Palsy Challenge is now open. Register today to join an international competition for good!
UCP launched the World CP Challenge in September 2012 in an effort to provide an accessible health and wellness activity that is proven to promote healthy living and change participants' health and fitness habits, all while raising awareness and crucial funds for direct services and research for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Cerebral palsy is a permanent disability resulting from damage to the developing brain, usually before birth. CP is the largest cause of physical disability in children; each year, approximately 10,000 infants in the United States will develop cerebral palsy.
World CP Challenge participants form teams of four and challenge themselves to take 10,000 steps a day, everyday, from September 4 through October 2. Throughout the Challenge, participants log their daily steps online, climbing virtual mountains around the world with each step and receiving weekly fitness tips and healthy recipes. And the ‘steps' can be any activity—the World CP Challenge is unique in that it enables everyone to be active in their own way with the option to convert more than 40 activities, such as yoga or swimming, into steps. The option to convert almost any activity into steps makes the World CP Challenge available to people of all abilities. Throughout the Challenge, participants can fundraise, with all proceeds supporting services to people with disabilities and cerebral palsy research.
This year, the World CP Challenge will held in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In these countries, the event is known as “Steptember.”
The World CP Challenge is not only a great opportunity for individuals, but for corporations and organizations as well. The Challenge serves as an employee engagement activity, increases productivity and reduces sick days among company employees. Participating companies can have employees compete amongst themselves, as well against other organizations to see who can reach the top of each mountain first.
“UCP and our international partners are thrilled to announce that registration for the 2013 World CP Challenge is now open—and we encourage everyone to check out our website, learn more about the Challenge and sign up! The World CP Challenge is a fun and exciting way to get active, compete against other teams and help to raise support for people with disabilities around the world,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “It truly is an international effort to bring people together in support of a great cause. We hope you will join us, and see you on the mountain!”
To learn more about the Challenge, please visit our website, www.worldcpchallenge.org, or contact Sarah Abram at sabram@ucp.org.
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
2011 autism insurance reform law would run to 2019
SACRAMENTO (May 16, 2013) --The California Senate voted 36-0 to extend the state's 2011 autism insurance reform law, which is set to expire next year, until 2019. Sponsored by Seante President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, the measure, SB.126,moves next to the Assembly.
Steinberg sponsored the existing 2011 law (SB.946) which is due to expire in mid-2014.
“An estimated 12,500 Californians are currently receiving early autism treatment under the 2011 law with estimated savings to taxpayers of $200 million annually in special education costs, which were previously funded by school districts or regional centers," Steinberg said after the vote. "Californians with autism now have access to the most extensive insurance coverage of any state in the nation.”
The current law requires state-regulated health plans to cover behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavior Analysis, consistent with other benefits covered under their policies. Insurers are also required to maintain an "adequate" network of ABA providers.
Steinberg has also committed to working with Governor Jerry Brown to restorebehavioral treatment for children with autism who lost their services during the transition from the Healthy Families program to Medi-Cal.
“While SB 946 is a proud achievement, it's not nearly enough," said Steinberg. "This year we intend to fight to make sure all kids regardless of whether they're on public or private insurance get the benefit of behavioral therapy. We must seek to include behavioral treatment for autism in Medi-Cal Managed Health Care to ensure children receive necessary and equitable services.”
36% of special needs parents cite autism
WASHINGTON, DC (May 16, 2013) -- In its fourth annual survey of military families, Blue Star Families found widespread dissatisfaction among special needs parents in the military with medical, educational and housing services, including access to ABA.Of the 5,125 military families who responded, 19 percent said they were receiving special needs services through themilitary; of those, 36 percent cited autism as their child's disability.
A national, non-profit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserves, Blue Star Families conducted the online survey in November 2012 and obtained 5,125 responses from service members stationed domestically and abroad.The survey found that31 percent of the special needs parents enrolled in the military's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)felt their participationhad harmed their military careers.
"Navigating the military healthcare system to obtain services can be challenging for caregivers for Exceptional Family Members (EFM)," the report said. "The National Council on Disability noted that it is even harder for young parents, those with more than one exceptional family member, those who themselves are exceptional family members, and those with a deployed service member."
Fewer than half of the families responding to the survey said they felt supported by their chain of command,the EFMP at their base or the surrounding civilian population.In addition, shortcomings were found with TRICARE, the Department of Defense health insurance program for active duty and retired personnel.
"Families may also struggle when trying to obtain recommended specialty services that are not covered by TRICARE, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children withautism," the report found. ABA has been restricted to active duty members by TRICARE and a one-year pilot program ordered by Congress last year for all service members has been delayed indefinitely due to budget issues. Inaddition, TRICARE has been sued in a federal class action suit for restricting access to ABA.
The survey also addressed the financial impact ofpaying out-of-pocket for services not covered under TRICARE by quoting two Navy spouses.
“He probably would've stayed in (active duty) if hefelt that wewould not have to spend so much money out of pocket obtaining speech, occupational, and physical therapy for our son,” said one. The other Navy spouse said, "Moving duty stations requires military families to re-enroll in EFMP program services. This means that children may be waiting for months, often times a year, to access services.”
Access to state Medicaid waivers also arose in the Blue Star report, which noted that every time a military family redeploys to another state theydrop to the bottom of the new state's waiver list.
"Sixty-four percent of respondents reported di?cultyaccessing community/state-based supports, suchas Medicaid waiver bene?ts," the report found. "In addition, 55 percent of respondents with an EFM also reported di?culty ?nding adequate housing when relocating."
Special needs parents overall said they were satisfied with their child's educational services, until they are required toenroll into another school district as a result of redeployment. Two thirds of the respondents said educational accommodations were "challenging" following relocation.
"Newschool districts will honor the previous individualized education program (IEP), but the district has authority to decide how the goals and objectives will be met and it maynot be through the same exact program or services," the report said.
Blue Star Families in the report urges better supports for special needs families when they relocate, including the ability to maintain Medicaid waiver services when they move to another state. Autism Speaks is supporting efforts to make TRICARE coverage of ABA for all military members permanent and atthe levels prescribed by medical professionals.
Bill requiring autism coverage, including ABA, approved 105-7
RALEIGH (May 15, 2013) -- The North Carolina House of Representatives voted 105-7 for a bill that would require state-regulated health insurers to cover common autism therapies, including ABA. The measure moves next to the Senate.
North Carolina is one of just 18 remaining states yet to enact autism insurance reform.
Sponsored by Reps. Chuck McGrady (R-Henderson), Tricia Cotham (D-Mecklenburg), Tom Murry (R-Wake) and Phil Sheppard (R-Onslow), HB498 would cover speech, occupational and physical therapy; behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavior Analysis, would be covered for up to $36,000 a year. The bill would take effect October 1.
Benefits would be covered through age 23; children would have to be diagnosed by age 8 to qualify.
In addition, the bill would benefit military families stationed in North Carolina by removing restrictive laws that prevent providers covered under TRICARE, the Department of Defense health insurance program, from operating in the state. North Carolina is home to more than a quarter million active duty and retired military personnel stationed out of facilities such as Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base.
Autism insurance benefits would continue past age 10 under bill sent to House floor
AUSTIN (May 14, 2013) -- The Texas House Insurance Committeeapproved 6-0 a bill that would eliminate the current age 10 cap for receiving autism insurance benefits. Already approved by the Senate, SB.1484 now heads to the House floor for a final vote.
Sponsored by Senators Kirk Watson of Austin, Wendy Davis of Forth Worth and Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville, the bill eliminates the current agecap of 10 onautism insurance benefits that was enacted in 2009. When Texas became just the third state nationally toenact autism insurance reform in 2007, coverage was limited for children aged3 to 5.
The current law requires state-regulated health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy. The age change would take effect in September if the bill becomes law and would limit annual ABA benefits to $36,000 for children aged 10 and above.
Texas is one of four states with existing autism insurance reform laws that has picked up bills to expand coverage this year. A fifth state,New Mexico, has already enacted a new law expanding its coverage to public employees.
Clears House Insurance Committee by 25-4 vote
RALEIGH (May 14, 2013) -- The North Carolina autism insurance reform bill cleared its first hurdle today, gaining approval 25-4 in the House Insurance Committee. North Carolina is one of 18 remaining states yet to require state-regulated health plans to cover the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism.
The bill goes next tothe House Appropriations Committee.
Sponsored by Reps. Chuck McGrady (R-Henderson), Treicia Cotham (D-Mecklenburg), Tom Murry (R-Wake) and Phil Sheppard (R-Onslow),HB498would cover speech, occupational and physical therapy; behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavior Analysis, would be covered for up to $75,000 a year. The bill would take effect October 1.
In addition, the bill would benefit military families stationed in North CarolinA by removing restrictive laws that prevent providers covered under TRICARE, the Department of Defense health insurance program, fromoperating in the state. North Carolina is home to more than a quarter million active duty and retired military personnel stationed out of facilities such as Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $150 million in new funding to help more uninsured Americans enroll in new health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Funding will go to eligible community health centers to help consumers understand their coverage options, determine their eligibility and enroll in new affordable health insurance. The deadline for health centers to apply is May 31, 2013. Find a health center near you.
The U.S. Department of Justice has settled a lawsuitagainst the Golden Corral restaurant in Westland, MI, for disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit alleged that Golden Corral refused to serve a mother and her children because they had a genetic skin disorder,epidermolysis bullosa. The mother explained her children's disability and that they weren't contagious, but the manager requested the family leave based on customer complaints.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has charged Fabricut, Inc. of Tulsa, OK with alleged disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Fabricut was also charged with alleged violation of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Actwhen it asked for the job applicant's family medical history. The company refused to hire an applicant after a pre-employment medical exam found that she may havecarpal tunnel syndrome.
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) issued a notice of proposed priority for a Rehabilitation Research Training Center (RRTC) Program on Disability in Rural Areas. The RRTC would research ways to improve access to transportation in rural areas. People with disabilities make up approx. 13.2 percent of the rural population. Improving rural transporatation access would lead to more jobs and community living opportunities for residents with disabilities. Comments on the proposed priority are due byJune 6, 2013.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175,krichards@ucp.org
UCP ANNOUNCES UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA AS WINNER OF WORLD CP DAY INVENTION CONTEST
Team designs solar-powered wheelchair, awarded 1stprize of $20,000
Donates chair to man who submitted idea, funds to help advance World CP Day
Washington, D.C. (May 10, 2013)– United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and its international partners have announced the winner of the first annual World CP Day invention contest: a team from the University of Virginia, who created a solar-powered wheelchair.
World CP Day was established in 2012 as a way to raise awareness and support for people living with cerebral palsy around the world. Through the “Change My World In One Minute” contest, people can submit ideas for something that would make a real difference in the lives of people with cerebral palsy—and an incredible 473 ideas were submitted. From these, three final ideas were selected: a fold-up motorized wheelchair, a documentary on cerebral palsy in the 21stcentury and a solar-powered wheelchair. The public was then invited to submit proposals for a chance to win $25,000 and to bring their ideas to life.
The team from the University of Virginia, led by Dr.Mool Gupta, included six students:Dennis Waldron, Duncan McGillivray, Craig Ungaro, Ankit Shah, Maria Michael and Kyung Kim,and was primarily constructed at the National Institute of Aerospace's Research and Innovation Laboratories Facility. The concept for the wheelchair was inspired by the design of retractable roofs on convertible cars and utilizes lightweight yet robust materials with high efficiency solar cells. This innovative combination enables the wheelchair to increase its range by more than 40 percent over battery usage, and to run a one mile per hour indefinitely without consuming any battery charge. Operated by a single switch, the wheelchair includes standard components as well as USB power outlets.
Awarded $20,000 for their first prize invention, Dr. Gupta and his students decided to use the prize money to refine and ship the wheelchair to the man who posted the suggestion online, Alper Sirvan, who has cerebral palsy, and donate the remaining proceeds back to UCP to help advance World CP Day in the years to come.
“UCP is thrilled to present this award to the University of Virginia for their creation of a solar powered wheelchair as part of the first World Cerebral Palsy Day's Change My Life in One Minute invention contest, which focused on concrete, attainable ideas that could change people's lives. We are very proud to say that, together with the incredible efforts of the University of Virginia, Dr. Gupta, and all of the students and partners involved, one of these ideas has been brought to life,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “And it is truly inspiring to hear of the University of Virginia's decision to use the prize money to send the wheelchair to the man who inspired the idea and return the remaining funds. I applaud these extraordinary individuals for their work, and appreciate their efforts in helping to ensure that people living with cerebral palsy can live their lives to the fullest.”
“This team of graduate and undergraduate students have created a device that will truly benefit those with disabilities,” Engineering School Dean James H. Aylor said. “The students on the team are excellent examples of the type of engineer we strive to produce in the U.Va. Engineering School – innovative leaders who are agents of change in society. I am thankful for the World CP Day organization for giving them this opportunity and for the National Institute of Aerospace for providing laboratory space.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visitwww.ucp.org.
About the World CP Day Campaign:
World Cerebral Palsy Day is an innovative way for 17 million people with CP to tell the world what they need to make their lives better and it's a way to turn some of those ideas into reality. World CP Day was piloted in 2012. From 1 August, people with cerebral palsy, their families and friends posted ideas online for something that could be created, developed or modified that would change the world for someone with cerebral palsy. Ideas were posted as text or video. Each idea needed to take only 1 minute to read or watch. From World CP Day, September 4, people were encouraged to go online, review the ideas and vote for the concepts that could have the greatest impact on people's lives. At the end of September, the World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel reviewed the ideas and public votes. Three ideas were shortlisted for development. Social activists, researchers, inventors, and innovators were then invited to turn the shortlisted ideas into reality. They competed for a total prize pool of $25,000. The winner was announced on April 27, 013.
World CP Day partners include organizations from America, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, St Lucia, Sweden, Turkey and the UK.
Providence Health Plan accused of mental health parity violations
PORTLAND (May 10, 2013) -- A federal class action lawsuit has beenfiled against Providence Health Plan claiming its denial of ABA coverage for autism treatment violates federal and state mental health parity laws.
Brought by the parents of two children, "A.F." and "A.P." alleges Providence“has established and carried out a deliberate company-wide policy to deny all claims for ABA treatment in violation of U.S. and Oregon law.” The mother ofA.P., Lucia Alonso, lost her home to foreclsoure when she could no longer afford both her mortgage and paying her child's ABA bills out-of-pocket due to the lack of insurance coverage.
The suit claims Providence's claims denials violate the 2008 Wellstone Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Oregon'sMental Health Parity Act, and a state statute requiring that children with pervasive developmental disorders, such asd autism, receive“all medical services, including rehabilitation services, that are medically necessary and are otherwise covered under the plan.”
The suit was filed asa billis moving through the Oregon Legislature requiring all state-regulated health plans to cover the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism.
Services lost as children transition from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal
SACRAMENTO (May 10, 2013) -- Autism Speaks has joined with advocacy groups from across California to protest the cutoff of ABA services for 900,000 children whoare transitioning from the Healthy Families Program to Medi-Cal.
The coalition is urging Gov. Jerry Brown to require that the ABA services be retsored through Medi-Cal.Read the statement here
House Majority Leader cited for 'intellectual leadership' on autism
WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2013) -- House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has announced the introduction of theKids First Research Act whichprioritizes research funding for pediatric disorders, such as autism, in Congress.
"Autism Speaks commends LeaderCantorfor making autism a national priority through the Kids First Research Act," said Autism Speaks President Liz Feld. "Cantor's intellectual leadership recognizes the urgency that thousands of families feel and experience every day. Autism is not a partisan issue and we look forward to working with leaders in Congress and the Obama Administration in crafting a national strategy to address autism."
The bill, HR.1724, is sponsored by Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS).
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States with 1 in every 88 children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested the actual prevalence could be as high as 1 in 50.
New research has found that the number of children with a neurodevelopmental or mental health disorder has increased by 16 percent in the last 10 years. The increases may be due to high rates of autism and attention deficit disorders diagnosed in children. The social acceptance of these conditions over the years also may explain the increases. The report also shows that over the same period of time physical disabilities in children have decreased.
The Federal Communications Commission has charged AT&T with improperly billing theTelecommunications Relay Service(TRS) fund for certain Internet-based TRS calls. TRS allows an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or who has a speech disability, to have telephone communications. Internet-based Relay allows an individual who has difficulty hearing or speaking to communicate through the telephone system with hearing persons using a computer and the Internet.
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement agreement with an Oregon developer, David Montagne, Montagne Development Company, Gateway II LLC, Dav II Investment Group LLC and William Jones to remove accessibility barriers at Gateway Village in Salem, OR. The lawsuit alleged that the developers had violated the Fair Housing Act by building the complex with steps and other features that made itinaccessible to people with disabilities.
Join the Conversation for Change, a free, online dialogue toexamine the impact of existing federal regulations and legislation on the successful transition from school to work of youth with disabilities. The dialogue will be held May 13 - 27, 2013.The U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration will host the event and invitepolicymakers, service providers, advocates, youth with disabilities and others to join this online dialogue. Register online.
Recognized for outstanding efforts to employ people with disabilities
Washington, DC (May 9, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is proud to announce that Publix Supermarkets in Lakeland, Florida has been awarded the 2013 Employer of the Year Award as part of UCP's Awards for Excellence celebration.
Presented at UCP's 2013 Annual Conference in San Diego, CA, the Awards for Excellence recognize UCP affiliates, individuals and companies whose exceptional activities, achievements and dedication exemplify the UCP mission to educate, advocate and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities.
The Employer of the Year Award recognizes a business or agency that has made an outstanding contribution to employing people with physical disabilities or has supported the training and hiring of people with disabilities, and created an improved work environment. Employees with disabilities must be fully integrated into all aspects of the workplace.
Nominated by UCP of Central Florida in recognition of their long relationship with the company, Publix Supermarkets in Lakeland, Florida has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and helping people reach their full potential through meaningful employment. Publix sets a precedent for all workers to respect diversity and to be mindful of disabilities, including requiring all managers to attend diversity workshops entitled “Developing Cultural Competence.” In addition, diversity training and disability awareness are incorporated into new associate trainings, creating an inclusive and understanding community where everyone is valued.
“Publix fosters a workplace environment with a strong commitment to diversity," said Senior Vice President John Hrabusa. “I'm proud to accept this award on behalf of our managers who embrace inclusiveness and are dedicated to providing successful employment opportunities to people with disabilities.”
“Publix sets an impressive standard in the areas of diversity and employing people with and without disabilities,” said Dr. Ilene E. Wilkins, President and CEO of UCP of Central Florida. “Our goal at United Cerebral Palsy is for all people to have the ability to live life without limits. Publix provides that opportunity to thousands in their company, helping make a significant shift in our cultural views on employing people with disabilities.”
“UCP is proud to honor Publix Supermarkets for their efforts to create an inclusive work environment that only sees abilities, not differences. They have fostered a community of strong relationships and a culture of opportunity for employees with disabilities, who are able to take positions where they grow and can perform best,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of UCP. “This is an issue of critical importance, as the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is nearly double that of general population—and Publix stands as an example of what can be done by corporate citizens in the civil rights movement for people with disabilities.”
# # #
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedSITA Information Networking Computing USA, Inc. (SITA) in Atlanta with allegeddisability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A new employee requested a reasonable accommodation to be allowed to work part-time to complete her recovery from cancer surgery. Instead, SITA withdrew its job offer. The company has agreed to provide equal opportunity training to its staff.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has charged the Fort Worth Center of Rehabilitation (FWCR) with allegeddisability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A job applicant requested a reasonable accommodation in the form of a different drug test because of her kidney failure. Instead, the Texas-based FWCR denied her request and took back its conditional offer of employment. The center must pay damages to the applicant and take steps to avoid future discrimination.