ADA Question of the Month - Do You Know the Answer?
Question: Are people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) protected under the ADA?
The answer is at the end of the newsletter.
U.S. Attorney's Office Settles Disability Discrimination Allegations at Skilled Nursing Facility
The U.S. Attorney's Office reached a settlement agreement with the Charlwell House, a skilled nursing facility in Norwood, Massachusetts, to resolve allegations that the facility violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by refusing to accept a patient because they were being treated for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Committed: A Son's Mental Illness, a Father's Fight
Mental illness isoften perceived as one person's struggle. What about the families that support their loved ones with mental illness? Here is an intimate look at the depths of love, the emotional turmoil, and the persistence that one family shared.
2018 Assistive Technology Training Series Massachusetts
Free training will be provided for any nurse, family care or transition coordinators, housing or CoA staff, options counselors and others interested in learning to utilize technology to help all populations live and work independently.
Save the Date: ADA Day, July 24th, Boston, Massachusetts
Boston's ADA Day Celebration will be held this year on Tuesday, July 24th, from 12-2, on Boston City Hall Plaza. This free event is open to all. Click here for more details.
Photo source: Google open source image.
Hudson Massachusetts Student Will Be Allowed To Take Classes Using Robot
Students in Hudson will soon have a robotic classmate. Lawmakers just ruled a boy with disabilities can attend school remotely. The US Attorney's Office announced schools must allow this kind of alternative in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Photo
VGo robot. Photo source: Google open source image
National News
One-handed LB Shaquem Griffin Drafted by Seahawks, Reunited with Twin Brother Shaquill
Griffin had his left hand amputated at age 4 because of amniotic band syndrome, a congenital condition. A two-year starter at UCF and a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection both seasons, he was the AAC's Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and was named the defensive MVP of the Peach Bowl.
Disability statistics can be a powerful tool to increase our collective understanding of the barriers faced by the disability population in the workforce. This webinar provides an overview of current and historical disability employment trends and highlights how front-line practitioners have successfully applied existing data resources to serve customers.
Participants Needed: National Survey on Health Reform and Disability
The NIDILRR-funded Collaborative on Health Reform and Independent Living (CHRIL) is looking for adults with disabilities to complete an online survey about getting and using health insurance and health care services. Adults ages 18 to 62 with any type of disability are encouraged to participate. To participate in the survey, click here.
The ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments - Available Online
State and local governments (public entities) have obligations under Title II of the ADA to provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities. The ADA Title II Action Guide leads public entities through a process to compliance with the ADA.
Answer: Opioid Use Disorder is an impairment. The ADA applies to OUD in recovery. The ADA protects a person in recovery who is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs.
The ADA says that a person no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs means:
1. is in recovery from substance use disorder;
2. has ceased engaging in the illegal use of drugs;
3. is either participating in a supervised rehabilitation program or;
4. has been successfully rehabilitated.
Also, illegal use of drugs is defined as:
1. Use of illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
2. Unlawful use of controlled substances that has a legitimate medical use:
i. but person has no prescription;
ii. or has a fraudulent prescription.
If you have further questions, call 1-800-949-4232.
The New England ADA Center is a member of the ADA National Network funded by the Administration for Community Living through National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Grant # 90DP0087.
