Blogs

Accessible Voting in Massachusetts in 2020

October 21, 2020

By Katherine Blakeslee

Do you have a plan to vote? Have you voted yet? One of the most important and powerful things you can do as a United States citizen is to vote. There are 3 ways you can vote: 1) Vote early by mail, 2) Vote early in person, and 3) Vote on Election Day.

Addiction, Recovery, and the ADA: An underutilized part of the law - A Chat with Dr. Oce Harrison, Director of the New England ADA Center

September 16, 2020

by Katherine Blakeslee

This year we are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Even now, people with addiction and those in recovery are still unaware of their civil rights under the ADA. The ADA is clear – people with addiction are people with disabilities and have civil rights under the law if they meet the ADA’s definition of disability (Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, 2008). With that, there’s been a focus at the New England ADA Center on how the ADA addresses addiction and recovery.

Accessibility and Schools Making the Grade

September 9, 2020

by Jason Angel

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report in June on the accessibility of schools in districts from around the country. The GAO found “that two-thirds of public school districts have schools with physical barriers that may limit access for people with disabilities.”

A Warning About Fake Face Mask Exemption Cards

August 5, 2020

No shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service sign on restaurant door by Jason Angel

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued a warning about phony face mask exemption cards. Recently, the group called the Freedom to Breathe Agency issued such fraudulent cards that claim the cardholder is exempt from wearing a face covering.

Active Older Adult Needs a Reasonable Modification to Participate

January 3, 2020

Question: I am an older adult with a disability who is trying to stay active in my community, specifically by participating in events offered by my senior center. The senior center provides transportation, but I need help to board the van. I have requested several different reasonable modifications, such as using my walker on the lift, more time in order to climb the stairs, or a step stool to climb aboard. My requests were denied, and I was told I would have to use a wheelchair.

Employment and the Use of Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)

May 28, 2019

Question: I am having surgery and will be out of work for a few days. When I return, I am required to undergo a fitness for duty exam, which will uncover my use of Suboxone as prescribed. I was told that I would be fired for using Suboxone. I can’t stop using Suboxone and put my recovery at risk. Since going in to recovery in 2003, I’ve never had an issue at work. Can I be fired for using Suboxone?

Afterschool Program - Title II

October 22, 2018

Question: We received a call from a mother whose son with a disability attends his school's afterschool program until recently when he was hospitalized for three weeks for disability-related reasons. He is ready to return to school and his afterschool program. The program is first-come-first-serve and has a waitlist. Though the mother had already paid for her son to attend the afterschool program, the school gave his slot to another student.

Questions we asked:

A New Employee with Performance Issues - Title I

January 29, 2019

Question: We received a call from an employer who is having difficulty with a new employee who is a recruiter for the company. This employee has had performance issues which have been addressed on two occasions. She has been placed on probation because she is not performing the job requirements. While discussing steps to release her with HR, she disclosed that she has depression and anxiety; she canceled a meeting with other team members; and then called out of an event that she was expected to be working as part of her job, which left another staff member on their own.

Maneuvering Clearances

December 10, 2019

by Jason Angel

Tucked away along the rugged Atlantic Coast lies a small village clinging to the shores like the fir trees and moss on the rocks. The little town has been there for as long as people have settled along the coast. Generations of people have come and gone just like the rise and fall of the tides.

Laugh N' Learn!

July 26, 2018

Watch PJ Moynihan's new documentary short, 'Recovering Addiction'. And laugh with one of Boston's top comedians Amy Tee as she presents chemical-free comedy, taking self-help to hilarious new heights. Jack Lynch will also join us. A Boston native, with 25 years of experience, has taken his comedy on the road and toured all over the U.S. and parts of Canada.

New England ADA Center