Speaking out for People with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
On August 30 and September 2, 2024, the Washington Post published a series of highly biased articles opposing sheltered workshops and 14(c). The articles went beyond mere bias. They cherry-picked comments from both sides and made several statements misrepresenting the programs and those that provide these opportunities. Several VOR members wrote to the Post to complain. Attached below are a few of those letters.
The Department of Justice has sought comments in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requiring Medical Diagnostic Equipment be available to persons with disabilities under the ADA.
The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a proposed rule "Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities", intended to update, clarify, and strengthen the implementing regulation for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
VOR contends that the policies of HHS, notably the actions taken over the years by the Administration for Community Living and several of the organizations they subsidize (including State P&As and DD Councils, University Centers for Excellence, and the National Disability Rights Network) have regularly committed acts of discrimination against those with the most severe and profound intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
VOR's Dawn Kovacovich shared her thoughts on the May 1, 2023 Meeting of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
