Disability Rights Protection Act of 2006 (DRPA): Making ADA Compliance a Priority and a Reality in the District of Columbia

Background More than 114,000 DC residents have a disability– about 1/5 of the population. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in Title II prohibits local governments from discriminating against persons with disabilities. DC has failed to follow the ADA, and has been repeatedly sued for discrimination. The DRPA was developed as a collaborative effort between the disability community and strong advocates on the DC Council.

Status of the DRPA City Council approved the bill unanimously on December 5, DRPA must be signed by Mayor Williams and approved by Congress before it takes effect. It is estimated that the DRPA will be effective in Spring DC must locate sufficient funds to implement the DRPA.

Key Provisions of the DRPA A new District-wide office, the Office of Disability Rights (the Office), will report to the Mayor. Each District agency must create and implement an ADA Compliance program. The Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities will act as an advisory body to the new Office.

A Stronger Voice Because the Office reports directly to the Mayor, disability rights issues will be elevated to the highest level. By transferring the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities to the Office and requiring the Office to actively work with the Committee, persons with disabilities can help to formulate policies and procedures that respect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Much-Needed Support The Office of Disability Rights will: Assist District residents in overcoming barriers to DC services, buildings and employment; Provide disability-rights information, resource referrals, and technical assistance; and Assist residents with filing complaints.

Better Services for DC Residents Every DC agency will be required to: 1.Appoint an agency ADA Coordinator; 2.Complete and submit to the Office an annual ADA self- evaluation and implementation plan; and 3.Establish and publish a grievance procedure to resolve resident’s ADA complaints. Agencies will receive training, technical assistance and referrals to assistive technology and translation services. Services will be evaluated and coordinated across DC.

Strategic Planning and Necessary Resources DC will be required to develop a plan and identify resources to place people with psychiatric or cognitive disabilities in the least restrictive environment (Olmstead v. L.C.). The Office will assess whether each agency’s ADA Compliance efforts are sufficient and recommend necessary changes to the Mayor.

Next Steps Advocate for sufficient funding to have 4 positions in the Office of Disability Rights in Fiscal Year Advocate for sufficient funding to have positions Office of Disability Rights in Fiscal Year Search for a well-qualified Director of the Office of Disability Rights. Contact TJ Sutcliffe (202) ) or Amber Harding (202) ) for more information or to participate in our advocacy