Foley Hoag LLP’s Post

We are honored to share this essential read from David Cross, Chair of Antitrust Litigation Practice at Morrison Foerster and a member of the Diversity Lab's Disability Advisory Council. David shares his experience as a lawyer with a disability, the negative stigmas still surrounding people with disabilities, and how law firms can break down barriers for people with disabilities. David writes that breaking down the barriers requires at least three significant steps:  - Deliberate thoughtfulness towards people with disabilities and their needs.  - A mindset shift in how those with disabilities are perceived.  - Placing those with disabilities in leadership and decision-making positions. Thank you, David, for this important message. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gqkpq6gN With guidance from David and other members of the Diversity Lab Disability Advisory Council, we co-created the Disability Inclusion Commitments, which identify just ten actions organizations and individuals can take to create a culture of inclusion for people with disabilities. Learn how your firm can join the 90+ firms taking action to increase disability inclusion: https://lnkd.in/eRexvtuv #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #DEI

This verdict is a major win for the rights of people with disabilities. Kennedy Hunt P.C. applauds this jury’s decision and the hard work of the EEOC to bring this case to fruition. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dtRp2Vbf #civilrights #disabilitylaw #EducationLaw #employmentlaw #LocalNews #Uncategorized

Remarks from our Founder & CEO, Anessa Powell, on this special day: "Happy 33rd Anniversary Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! What a groundbreaking piece of legislation that was passed 33 years ago today. May we remember that the ADA is the floor, not the ceiling. Let's keep working together to ensure disability inclusion is a forethought, not an afterthought." #ADA33 #AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct #DisabilityPride #DisabilityAwareness Image Description: A light blue background. At the top in darker blue font is https://lnkd.in/da5FHrs. In the middle in dark blue font, " The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26th, 1990." Then underneath in pink font, "Today marks the 33rd Anniversary."

I would be remiss if I let this month go by and not mention the importance of Disability Pride month. On July 26, 1990 the first comprehensive law to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities was signed by President George Bush, also known as the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law truly changed the game for individuals with disabilities, but we still have a long way to go. I intentionally waited until the last day of July to post because although the month is ending the fight continues to get individuals with disabilities what they need and rightfully deserve! We have made some strides to ensure public entities and facilities are ADA compliant, but millions of Americans with disabilities still do not have access to employment which is also a major part of the law (Title I). There is a gigantic untapped market that could completely shift our economic growth if we strengthen our job market with individuals who are willing and able to work! We must create pathways to employment that accommodates, celebrate and pay a livable wage to individuals with disabilities. #Disabilitypride #Hirepeoplewithdisabilities

Persons with Disabilities are more likely to be poorer and have less resources than the average American. Who are already strapped for resources. Imagine then having to start a lawsuit everytime you were not given rightful accommodations like no accessible bathrooms or no ramp (which is incredibly likely, I’ve been denied them countless times). PwDs should have the right to have testers of compliance with the ADA, a heavily flawed and outdated law.

Today, July 26, we celebrate National Disability Independence Day, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations. Did you know: 👥 There are over 61 million people with disabilities in the United States. 📉 People with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty than people without disabilities. 💼 People with disabilities are less likely to be employed than people without disabilities. Let's work together to create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential! Start today with this free pdf workbook that contains definitions and explanations of several social identities (race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability status, and sexuality) and a scaffolded exercise to help you examine your positionality. Get your free Positionality Workbook here: https://lnkd.in/gD6sm2Jx More info on ADA 33 & Disability Pride Month: https://ow.ly/UPWz50PjO9t #EngineerInclusion #DisabilityPride #ADA33 #BeaCatalyst

I was thrilled to moderate a panel at the latest NAA DEI Awareness Week, Expand Your Markets With Accessibility. I was joined by Jill Ramsey, Regina Weinstein ( MY TWIN!) and Maegan Blau, and we discussed how we can expand markets with accessibility by building a beyond compliance mindset. Our panel shared how the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 33 years ago, and how the rental housing industry continues to struggle with moving beyond the legal compliance of checking the accessibility box. The panelist encouraged attendees that by reframing the lens of accessibility, that the housing industry has a chance to expand our markets, innovate our communities, advance inclusion and provide housing solutions that yield higher ROIs. This open discussion, led by the expert panel, shared about the best ways to leverage accessibility and inclusion as competitive advantages, and examined our implicit biases during the decision-making process from the top down and finding ways to budget for change! Our conversation delivered an engaging and informative session, packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Whether you are a professional looking to enhance your skills, a business owner seeking new strategies, or simply someone interested in the topic, this webinar is for you! If you missed out on this opportunity to attend live, don't worry you can access the recording below! Share this conversation with your teams to learn more about disability inclusion in October and beyond during National Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM Enjoy! #Multifamily #MultifamilyRealEstate #NAA National Apartment Association (Naahq) #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #ADA #DEI #Housing #DisabilityAwareness

As we all know, July is Disability Pride Month, commemorating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures their equal rights and opportunities.   In honor of this month let us take a closer look at Special Needs Trusts that are crucial estate planning tools designed to protect the financial well-being of individuals with disabilities. We will delve into the essential aspects of special needs trusts, their benefits, and the considerations involved in setting up and managing them. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eD5-5Tab #EstatePlanning #estateplanningattorney #willsandtrusts #beneficiaries #willsandprobate #inheritance #estateadministration #powerofattorney #inheritancetaxplanning #EstateTax #eldercare #medicaidplanning #planning #guardianship #assetsabroad #overseasassets #pridedisabilitymonth

🔹Embracing the Legacy: Honoring the Rights of Individuals with IDD Throughout History: