Tag Archives: disabilities
A Service Animal…What Does Florida Say?
By: Sharon Langer Florida actually has a little known statute that defines a service animal differently than the Federal ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) does. While the ADA limits service animals to dogs and, in a special separate provision, miniature horses, the Florida law seems to be broader using the words “SERVICE ANIMALS”…not… Read More »
11th Circuit Decision in Bhogaita v. Altamonte Heights Condominum
[PUBLISH] IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT _ Nos. 13-12625; 13-13914 _ D. C. Docket No. 6:11-cv-01637-GAP-DAB AJIT BHOGAITA, Plaintiff – Appellee, versus ALTAMONTE HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM ASSN., INC., Defendant – Appellant. _ Appeals from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida _ (August 27,… Read More »
Litigation UPDATE – Sabal Palm Condominiums v. Fisher
Former Teacher with Multiple Sclerosis obtains a $300,000 settlement in her fight to keep her service animal in her home in Broward County On May 8, 2014, Deborah Fischer and Larry Fischer obtained a $300,000 settlement against their condominium association for their three-year long fight to keep Deborah’s service dog, Sorenson, in their home…. Read More »
Settlement between the Law School Admission Council and the Department of Justice will set the Benchmark for testing accommodations
On May 20, 2014, the Department of Justice announced a settlement with the administrators of the LSAT, the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), for alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act for denying disability accommodations for test-takers. For the past twenty years, testing agencies, schools, and the Florida Bar have applied different… Read More »
Inclusive Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
The official start of summer is almost here, and while I’m sure it will be a hot one, it also brings more opportunities for outdoor activities amongst families, friends and neighbors. Remember running around the playground when you were a child? Remember the games and competitions you would make up with friends at… Read More »
Vacation Tips for People with Disabilities
As a person with a disability who loves to travel, I have encountered the good, the bad, and the ugly of accessibility (or lack thereof) on my vacations. To help you have the most enjoyable and accessible vacation possible, here are a few tips from my own experiences. (click here to read more) … Read More »
Animal Partners– A need not a want
Disability Independence Group hosted a wonderful committee of animal advocates for a brainstorming session on how to work together with the GOAL of creating programs, support systems and strategies that will allow the elderly, disabled and those in nursing homes or ALF’s to keep their pets or have the comfort of a pet…. Read More »
BROWARD CHILDREN’S CENTER, Inc.
For over 43 years, Broward Children’s Center, Inc. has been a haven for children and young adults with disabilities in Pompano Beach, Florida. Founded in 1971, the program serves children with varied disabilities from all walks of life, which include autism, disabilities from birth, accidents, shaken baby syndrome, lightning strikes and other traumatic… Read More »
Litigation: Solodar v. OPC Lake Point Tower
After more than three years, and a jury trial, Mrs. Carollee Solodar will finally receive the parking spot she deserves (and requires)! Carollee and her husband Donald Solodar live in a lanai in North Palm Beach and have been allowed to park in a service area by their home for many years. Following Mrs…. Read More »
2014 Disability Policy Seminar
On April 7-9, 2014, I had the privilege to attend the 2014 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. and participate in advocacy efforts to make an impact on disability policy. The Disability Policy Seminar is an event that brings together advocates for individuals with disabilities with public policy experts and focuses on major federal… Read More »
Ms. Wheelchair FL Update
On April 4th and 5th I had the pleasure of participating in the Ms. Wheelchair Florida competition. Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc. advocates for all people with disabilities and strives to bring awareness to all people with disabilities and the importance of inclusion in communities, employment, education, and housing. I decided to compete because I felt… Read More »
DIG Internship Progam
DIG has established a successful internship program for both undergraduate students and law students at our local universities. This past semester we hosted two interns. Tiffany Blackmon, from FIU College of Law, assisted with federal litigation, helped us establish our ADA Mediation Project. We file complaints on behalf of persons with disabilities who have… Read More »
The Miami Heat Game
DIG staff attorneys, Rachel Goldstein and Stephanie Woodward, along with local attorneys, Skyler Hill and Angelica Gentile, attended the Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers game and had the opportunity to meet Syracuse Alumni and player for the 76ers, Michael Carter Williams, after the game.
Litigation – Vindicating a right to an administrative option – McGuire v. Peabody Hotel
Florida now recognizes that when a person is not treated equal because of his or her disability,– this is discrimination, and is actionable under the Florida Civil Rights Act. In 1968, at the age of seven years old, Kevin McGuire, was hit by a drunk driver and was paralyzed from the neck down. By 1970,… Read More »
The View from a DIG Intern
As a law student interning with DIG, I spoke with a client recently and I was frustrated to learn that there are attorneys who disregard their duty to communicate with clients who are deaf. When someone is already in a difficult situation, it’s hard to believe that a lawyer would make the situation even… Read More »
Guardianship – Part 2
Florida is one of the few states that has developed a process specifically designed to meet the needs of persons with DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES—in Florida that process is GUARDIAN ADVOCATE. There are a few differences between GUARDIAN ADVOCATE and GUARDIANSHIP as I described in last month’s newsletter. First, Guardian Advocacy is limited to persons with… Read More »
Art and More – By Chris Stein
Indecision by Chris Stein Unequivocally Wishy‐Washy Maybe? May Be? Do you see me? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes no maybe. Maybe maybe? Do you see me As affliction? Probably Maybe? May Be Probable? Improbably Maybe? Maybe Probably? Do you see me With affection? Probably Don’t know. Probably Not sure. Probably Too scared. Probably Can’t say…. Read More »
Siblings Corner – A sibling’s perspective
I would not be the person I am today if I did not have my brother, Josh. He has an extensive movie collection, loves going bowling and doing arts and crafts and has a very busy social life. He works bagging groceries at a grocery store and also volunteers at a nearby hospital. From… Read More »
Kids Crusader Corner – March 2014.
Welcome back to Kids Crusaders. As we head into the middle of March, I’m beginning to wonder if upstate New York has only 2 seasons now. Winter and winter, ugh. The sun did manage to make an appearance today though so maybe there’s a small chance. Last month I wrote about some of the… Read More »
Americans with Disabilities Act Lawsuits – Frequently Asked Questions
By: Matt Dietz Every year, across the United States, thousands of lawsuits are filed that compel compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, most to ensure that persons with mobility disabilities could have equal use and enjoyment of businesses in our community. While these lawsuits are often the key to community access for persons… Read More »
