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NCLEJ

The changes made in Virginia's TANF program to comply with the ADA are the most significant improvements to the program since welfare reform was implemented ten years ago. They would not have been possible without help and support from the Center.

Steven L. Myers, Executive Director, Virginia Poverty Law Center

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Disability Rights

Many low income people have physical, mental, and learning disabilities that affect their ability to access government benefits. Almost one-half of the families receiving welfare assistance have a parent or child with a disability, a rate that is almost three times higher than those not receiving welfare. Federal, state, and local governments must comply with federal disability rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the operation of their programs. Yet many agencies have done little to address their obligation under these laws and provide a meaningful opportunity to access programs and benefits.

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice has been a leader in using disability rights laws to improve government programs and services for low income individuals. The Center welcomes inquiries from advocates on these issues and opportunities to work with advocates on these issues. Feel free to contact us.

Recent NCLEJ Advocacy:

Additional NCLEJ Materials:

Disabilities and Welfare: A New NCLEJ Resource for Advocates.
New Provisions of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program: Implications for Clients with Disabilities and Advocacy Opportunities by Cary LaCheen, 40 Clearinghouse Rev. 490
(Jan. - Feb. 2007)

Language Matters: Designing State and County Contracts for Services Under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,
by Eileen Sweeney, Barabara Bezdek, Sharon Parrott, Carol Medaris and Cary LaCheen
(from Jan-Feb 2002 Clearinghouse Review)

Additional Resources:

Resolution Agreement between OCR and Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
(December 2006)

Voluntary Compliance Agreement between OCR and Oregon Department of Human Services
(August 2004)

Letter of Finding in Massachusetts OCR Complaint
(January 29, 2004)

Complaint submitted to HHS Office for Civil Rights by ACLU-Wisconsin Foundation and NAACP Milwaukee Branch regarding Wisconsin Works Program and compliance with ADA and civil rights requirements
(February 18, 2002)