The state Tennessee has reached a settlement agreement with George Lane and Beverly Jones the plaintiffs in the case of Lane vs. Tennessee. The Plaintiffs charged that the state and 25 counties in Tennessee violated their rights under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide access to their respective courts On March 21, 2005 Tennessee Chief Justice Frank Drowota III signed an order implementing the Tennessee Judicial Branch Americans with Disabilities Act Policy Regarding Access to Judicial Programs. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to the judicial programs of the state of Tennessee.
The DOJ will intervene in a lawsuit filed by five residents who are wheelchair users against the City of Detroit. The complaint alleges that the City's fixed route bus system is inaccessible which is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act. The DOJ's suit states that the City has failed to maintain and repair broken wheelchair lifts on buses that serve their fixed-route system. The DOJ complaint alleges instances in which riders had to wait up to 30 minutes until a bus with a working lift arrived and that the City has up to 120 buses with lifts that have not been working for more than six months.
The DOE, Office of Post-Secondary education has issued a notice for applications for Demonstration Projects to Ensure Students with Disabilities receive a Quality Higher Education. The purpose of the program is to provide technical assistance and professional development for faculty and administrators of institutions of higher education to enhance their skills and services so they can effectively support a student with disabilities. Approximately $6.9 million has been allocated for this program. It is estimated the number of awards will be 25 with an average allocation of $277, 000. The deadline for applications is April 18, 2005.
The DOJ signed Project Civic Access settlement agreements with the cities of Bend, OR, Pleasant Valley, MO, and Weston, WV. Under Project Civic Access local and state governments work with the DOJ to improve accessibility to their facilities and programs. The catalyst for Project Civic Access was a settlement agreement the DOJ signed with the City of Toledo, OH on August 26, 1999. Based upon the success of this process former Attorney General, Janet Reno requested that the Disability Rights Section of the DOJ initiate measures to ensure that other local and state governments address their issues related to improving access for persons with disabilities. Visit the Project Civic Access web site for more information and to view the 103 settlements reached to date.
The Corporation for National and Community Service has allocated $5.1 million for grants to support initiatives that engage persons with disabilities in national and community service programs. The grants will focus on two areas: increasing community involvement of veterans with disabilities and assisting youths with disabilities in transitioning from school to adult life. The Corporation anticipates allocating up to four three-year grants. Applications must be submitted by April 12, 2005. The Corporation for National and Community Service is a White House initiative that provides citizens the opportunity to participate in community services through programs: AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America.
The Retirement Research Foundation is providing funding to Chicago area houses of worship to make their facilities accessible through its Accessible Faith Grants Program. Houses on worship in Cook, Lake, and DuPage County are eligible under this program. The grants will fund up to 50% of a project that will improve accessibility with a maximum expenditure of $25,000. The grant may applied for projects such as; installation of elevators, platform lifts, ramps, and restroom renovations. Deadlines for submitting the application are May 2, 2005 and August 1, 2005. For more information regarding the program visit the Retirement Research Foundation web site or call 773-714-8080 (V).