MATAplus Capacity Constraints and its impact on people with disabilities

 Full Comments of Tim Wheat

at the August 27, 2025 MATA Board Meeting

Thank you. My name is Tim Wheat, Co-Director of Disability Connection Midsouth. I want to talk about MATAplus Capacity Constraints and its impact on people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires paratransit services to be comparable to fixed-route services. For MATAplus, this means riders should be able to schedule a trip for the next day. However, a recent review by Disability Connection and past findings by the FTA reveal the system is illegally capacity constrained. 

In fact, yesterday I asked a MATAplus rider to show me. She called and asked for a ride to this meeting. No questions, no talk of destination or times, no negotiation. Just no trip. Another rider had called Friday for a ride to work this past Monday, at 8:30 AM and they were told no more trips Monday.  

MATAplus reports a minimal 3% denial rate and 97% on-time performance, but these numbers don't tell the full story. The service is capacity-constrained, meaning a certified rider can't be confident they will get a ride if they call for a ride the next day. Riders have been trained to call three days in advance to secure a trip.

This isn't a new issue. The FTA found capacity constraints 20 years ago and again five years ago. The 2020 report noted that MATA agents were directly denying trips, particularly those made one or two days in advance. The agency also undercounted denials in several ways, such as not logging trips that were denied but still accepted by the rider outside of the 60-minute reservation window. They also logged denials as "trip refusals" and used bureaucratic terms like "advanced cancellation." This all served to lower their official denial numbers, despite not providing the necessary transportation.

Adding to the problem, MATAplus riders often see their vehicles being used for other services, like "Ready Ride." This makes the disability community feel that the vehicles they rely on are being diverted, creating a very real and obvious operational capacity constraint.

This isn't just a scheduling issue; it's a matter of Community Commitment. As John Lewis said, it's not just about buses running on schedule; it's about the real-world impact on individuals. He provides you with a Community Commitment score for the fixed-route, but not for paratransit. Refusing people with disabilities a next-day trip should be seen as seriously as a bus not leaving the yard. If we apply that standard, MATAplus' service would get a score of roughly 30%, Making reservations only three days in advance, a clear sign of unmet needs.

I am disappointed by the work of TransPro. While they have had a difficult task with MATA, they have not solved this inequity and ensuring MATA has a functional paratransit system must be a priority for this board. Thank you.

A History of DCM

Forty Years of Independent Living 

EDITORS NOTE: This is from the Welcome speech given my Tim Wheat at the 2025 Deborah Cunningham Access Awards Dinner, Friday, July 25.

Disability Connection Midsouth was chartered in 1985 as Access All Areas and changed names officially in 1992 to Memphis Center for Independent Living. Forty years of Independence. That is who we are. 

Since 1985 The Center has been a tower of empowerment for individuals with disabilities; even though we work out of a basement. From that basement we are deeply rooted in the principles of self-determination and community integration. 

In May of 2008, New Mobility magazine profiled many of our Memphis consumers. The odd thing was they did not interview them in Memphis, they all lived in Denver. This Center bravely helped people like Devoe Mack, Willie Robinson and Darrell Williams move out of a Nursing Home in Tennessee to live in their own home in Colorado. 

Often it was “Against Doctor’s Orders” and many families did not approve. But our Center fought for equal rights and responsibilities of citizens with disabilities. This includes challenging the systemic marginalization that has historically plagued our community—a marginalization fueled by bigotry, discrimination, poverty, isolation, dependency, and pity. 

LaTonya Reeves was the first to use the Underground Railroad out of Memphis. LaTonya died two years ago; but she lived and worked in Denver for over 35 years. Back then, our state put people with disabilities in expensive nursing homes. The Center was determined to avoid that. LaTonya knew about nursing homes and said she would have died there.  The average life-expectancy of someone in a nursing home today is less than 14 months. 

Last year, Congressman Steve Cohen introduced the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act to finally close the gap to allow people with disabilities to live in the community rather than being forced into expensive nursing homes or institutions. Tonight we are awarding Representative Cohen our lifetime achievement award. 

Over a dozen people used the “Underground Railroad” to Colorado. Today DCM works to help people live independently in the community and we are currently working with nearly 800 people in the midsouth to remain in their own home and live independently. 

Independence is our legacy. It was this Center that camped out in Governor Bredesen’s office for a record 78 days demanding Home and Community Services. If you read Governor Bredesen’s profile today, it will tell you he is the greatest proponent of nursing home alternatives and that he started the Tennessee CHOICES program. We here at Disability Connection know where those ideas came from. This Calendar year, with our new Transition Coordinator, Early Smith, we have made contact with over 250 nursing home residents and provided countless hours of transition services. 

In 2002 This Center published more than 1,700 violations of the Fair Housing Act. These barriers kept people with disabilities from equally enjoying many new properties in the Memphis area. Today thousands of Units are accessible to our community that would not be without the work of this Center. 

In 2012, with the Urban Institute we managed a survey grant to determine the frequency of disability discrimination in local rental units. And we continue to work on Fair Housing in our area. In the past five years we have documented nearly 4,000 housing issues that DCM has assisted with. 

Before the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act was law, The Center worked to make the Memphis community accepting and accessible. Deborah Cunningham led the way to make movie theaters in Memphis have reasonable access. This Center pioneered using Pro Se Complaints to enforce the ADA. Our consumers, without an attorney, sued restaurants, stores and even Greyhound Bus lines, and won.

The Center led the community in demanding equality in transportation and housing. Over the past 40 years, before the ADA and since, with our Pro Se complaints, peer advocates, DCM Blog, Personal Attendant Services, Barrier Free Memphis, Jingle Hop, and all the community partners, interested locals and all of you here tonight, I cannot imagine all the lives we have impacted this 40 years.  

Memphis's journey with Independent Living began in 1982 when Easter Seals secured the first grant for IL. However, Easter Seals wasn't aligned with the core principles of independent living, particularly the crucial idea of consumer control (meaning people with disabilities leading). 

Because of this mismatch, a group of former Easter Seals staff and consumers took action. They founded a new non-profit organization. What made this new organization different, and what continues to define it, is consumer-control. I am proud this concept is critical to the Center today forty years after our rebellious founding. 

Thank you to each of you for being part of our Rebellious Future.

ADA Racket in Memphis?

Lawsuit Raises ADA Questions

Four Oregon businesses have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging a nationwide "racket" of fraudulent disability claims. The businesses claim they were targeted for disability access violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that two Tennessee-based law firms are involved in extorting money by filing fake ADA complaints.

This lawsuit highlights a concerning issue: the potential for misuse of the ADA, a law designed to protect the rights of people with disabilities. While the ADA is crucial for ensuring accessibility and preventing discrimination, these Oregon businesses claim that some entities are exploiting the law for financial gain.

The lawsuit mainly contends that the method of finding ADA violations was flawed and may have even used people with disabilities in the process. The complaints also stem from parking, and accessible routes outside the businesses. Violations that can be seen from the street or from computer mapping and not necessarily a complaint from a person with disabilities personally experiencing a barrier. 

The staff at DCM has had good conversations about peculiarities of the ADA. First, the ADA allows for recovery of attorney’s fees and costs, but people with disabilities who sue are not entitled to any monetary damages. The ADA as Civil Rights law does not have “ADA Police.” The law is to be enforced by private attorneys and the lawyers are awarded money, but many people do not see much enforcement and are not motivated to sue over the daily violations that they see. 

What does this mean for the disability community?

It's important to remember that this lawsuit is about alleged fraud. The ADA remains a vital piece of legislation that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Disability Connection Midsouth remains committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities and ensuring legitimate ADA claims are addressed.

This case does, however, raise awareness about the importance of understanding your rights and responsibilities under the ADA, both as a person with a disability and as a business owner.

Resources:

• For more information on the ADA, visit the ADA National Network.

• If you believe you have experienced ADA discrimination, you can find resources and file a complaint through the Department of Justice.

• For local resources and support, contact Disability Connection Midsouth.

The ADA and Sign Language Interpreting

Understanding the MultiCare Health System Agreement: What It Means for Individuals with Disabilities and Providers

At Disability Connection Midsouth, our mission is to bridge the gap between individuals with disabilities and the resources they need to be independent. A recent agreement between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and MultiCare Health System highlights critical issues in healthcare accessibility, offering valuable lessons for individuals and providers alike. This agreement underscores the importance of upholding civil rights and ensuring that no one is left without medical care.

What Happened?

MultiCare Health System, a large healthcare provider in Washington State, entered into a resolution agreement with HHS following allegations that it failed to provide effective communication for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The complaints arose from instances where patients were not offered appropriate auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters, which are essential for equal access to healthcare.

The investigation revealed a gap in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), both of which require healthcare providers to make reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Key Terms of the Agreement

The agreement is a roadmap for how healthcare providers can better serve individuals with disabilities. It includes several commitments by MultiCare, such as:

1. Policy Updates: MultiCare must revise its policies to ensure compliance with disability rights laws. This includes specifying procedures for assessing and providing auxiliary aids and services.

2. Staff Training: All relevant staff, including front-line workers and medical professionals, will receive training on effective communication with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.

3. Patient Rights Notification: Patients must be informed of their rights to auxiliary aids and services and how to request them.

4. Monitoring and Reporting: MultiCare agreed to submit regular reports to HHS to demonstrate its compliance with the agreement.

What This Means for Individuals with Disabilities

If you or someone you care for has a disability, this agreement serves as a reminder of your rights under federal law:

• Access to Effective Communication: Whether it’s a sign language interpreter, captioning services, or other aids, healthcare providers are obligated to ensure you can communicate effectively during your visit.

• Advocacy Tools: If you feel your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with HHS or your state’s human rights commission. The MultiCare agreement demonstrates that action can lead to meaningful change.

• Empowered Decision-Making: Know that you have the right to fully understand your healthcare options. Providers are required to make reasonable accommodations to support your decision-making.

To make a complaint: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html

What This Means for Providers

For healthcare providers, this agreement is a clear reminder to prioritize accessibility. Key takeaways include:

• Proactive Policies: Review and update policies to align with the ADA and Section 504. Ensure that procedures for requesting accommodations are clearly defined and accessible to all.

• Invest in Training: Educate your staff about disability rights and effective communication practices. Real-world scenarios, like those highlighted in the MultiCare case, can serve as powerful teaching tools.

• Foster Inclusive Environments: Create a culture where patients feel comfortable requesting accommodations. Include information about disability rights prominently in patient materials.

Moving Forward: Building a More Inclusive Healthcare System

The MultiCare Health System agreement is a step in the right direction, but there’s more work to be done. At Disability Connection Midsouth, we encourage individuals with disabilities to advocate for their rights and for providers to embrace practices that promote inclusion.

By working together, we can ensure that everyone receives the quality care they deserve. Let’s use this agreement as a catalyst for meaningful change, ensuring that healthcare systems across the country reflect the principles of equity and accessibility.

For more resources, guidance, or support, connect with us at Disability Connection. Together, we can create a community that values and respects the rights of all.

DC Midsouth Life: Oak Court Mall Doors are a Barrier

People with Disabilities can be left out in the rain.

By Allison Donald, Leah Williamson, and Christina Clift.

A day of shopping can be tiring and fun. If you are like me, finding a good bargain or the perfect pair of shoes brings you a thrill. On the other hand, long lines and crowded stores, a limited selection, or sky-high prices can turn a fun day into a frustrating outing.

For people with disabilities shopping has another challenge and it is access. Whether it is physical access to get in and out of the store, inaccessible fitting rooms, or no accessible parking, it can also be a lack of sighted assistance or poor lighting for someone who is blind.

 

Recently some friends and I went to the Oak Court mall for a bit of shopping. As we were walking up to go inside the mall the first door was propped open.  However, as you approach the second set of doors you have to pull them. It is extremely difficult because of the weight of the door. 

The doors are nearly impossible to open if you are a wheelchair user. I did not feel like struggling with the door. I looked to the right and there was an accessible entrance. I really wasn't sure, because there is no clear signage. The only reason I was able to identify the button was because of the silver panel that is on most accessible entrance buttons.  

Honestly, I felt relieved because all I wanted to do was take the easiest path to get into the mall. As I was walking over to the button, my friend began to push it and nothing happened.

We were all standing at the entrance of the mall in rain soaked clothes looking at each other in disbelief. At this point we are both ready to call it a day. 

My friend says, "I'm going to push it one more time." On the fifth try the door opened and we were able to go into the mall. I like shopping just as much as the next person but this is such a hindrance and it takes away the enjoyment of just getting out and about without barriers.

 

I am positive that the doors at the Oak Court Mall are not the only ones like this around the city. We at Disability Connection Midsouth are continuing to work and identify barriers that prevent Memphians living with a disability from living, working, and playing in this city just like our non disabled counterparts. If you are out in the streets and you see a barrier or you are not sure if it's a barrier feel free to contact us at 901-726-6404 or www.disabilitymidsouth.org. 

Why Memphis Needs an Office on Disability

Memphis needs a dedicated office to coordinate disability policy

By Tim Wheat

Local businesses, city and county governments and residents with and without disabilities all need to know about the civil rights of people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Amendments Act are both powerful federal laws that outline the civil rights for people with disabilities. 

People with disabilities are a growing and important part of our community. We are not going away. However, in Memphis and Shelby County, we have no coordination of public policy, 

Because of the federal laws, lawyers stand in to speak for people with disabilities and consistently aim for MINIMAL COMPLIANCE. The least allowable by law. Local planners and lawyers look to comply with federal law and nothing more. In our area we are not guided by the input and advice of the community that deals with these issues every day. 

Disability CONNECTION Midsouth has a mission to educate, advocate and unite our community. We are asking that the Mayor create an Office on Disability to include people with disabilities, coordinate local policy and inform the community of the civil rights of people with disabilities. 

We were disappointed to learn that the new mayor did not have a person with an obvious disability on the transition team. The long-time motto of the Independent Living movement has been “Nothing About Us Without Us.” Still we hope that Mayor Paul Young will be able to keep his promise to create a local Office on Disability.

The Memphis area desperately needs the Office on Disability. While the population of people with disabilities is growing in our area, the impact of the disability is also being felt more in employment, housing and transportation. Often, people with disabilities are the poorest of the poor and many of our group are over 60. We need to be proactive in including people with disabilities in everything.

Not including people with disabilities often leads to isolation and segregation. It makes our community into a burden and a problem rather than participants in solutions. An Office on Disability can create a coordinated, efficient and common-sense approach to disability issues in the Memphis Area. 

The Office on Disability can be charged to ensure that every program, service, benefit, activity and facility operated or funded by the City is fully accessible to people with disabilities. This protects against non-compliance and expensive lawsuits against the City. The Office on Disability may also oversee the implementation and local enforcement of the City's obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the further development of the Memphis ADA Transition Plan.

The Office on Disability may also provide an ADA grievance procedure that includes the disability community. The office may also help the City communicate policy and priorities to the disability community by not only including people with disabilities, but advice on effective and accessible communication.

Likewise, the Office on Disability may be critical to training and guidance for all City Departments, public information, program policy development and legislative initiatives. The Office may also create a public forum for the disability community so all residents are more involved and knowledgeable.

Significantly, the Office on Disability can help our community coordinate our response to emergencies and disasters. People with disabilities may have specific and unique needs in times of crisis and a good use of the Office would be to synchronize the assistance and to appropriately plan for distinctive needs. 

Voting Rights

Your Civil Rights and the Election

From the Department t of Justice:

The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in voting based on disability. The ADA applies to all aspects of voting, including voter registration, selection and accessibility of voting facilities, and the casting of ballots on Election Day or during early voting, whether in-person or absentee.

The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.

On Election Day, the Civil Rights Division will implement a comprehensive program to help ensure the right to vote that will include the following:

• The Civil Rights Division will conduct monitoring in the field to observe compliance with the federal voting rights statutes.

• Civil Rights Division attorneys in the Voting, Disability Rights, and Criminal Sections in Washington, D.C., will be ready to receive complaints of potential violations of any of the statutes the Civil Rights Division enforces. Attorneys in the division will coordinate within the department and will take appropriate action concerning these complaints before, during, and after Election Day.

• Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the Justice Department’s toll-free telephone line at: 800-253-3931, and also can submit complaints through a link on the department’s website at: https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

• Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY), or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at ada.gov.

Remembering Justin Dart

Justin Dart 

Memorial Service and Celebration of the 12th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Twenty years ago today was the public memorial service for the "Father of the ADA," Justin Dart. This piece was in the MCIL Journal archives.

By Tim Wheat, MCIL

(WASHINGTON DC July 26, 2002) A memorial and celebration of the life of Justin Dart was held today on the twelfth anniversary of the singing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. 

“Justin Dart was truly the father of the ADA and a great humanitarian,” said Dick Thornburgh the former US Attorney General and a featured speaker at the memorial, “but most of all, he was our friend.” 

The service was held at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington DC and drew dignitaries and grassroots civil rights activists from around the world. The church was filled with signs from the Disability Rights movement and memento’s of Justin’s life. 

“Hillary and I were just nuts about Justin,” said President Bill Clinton. “He stood by anybody big or small that he thought was the victim of arbitrary discrimination . . . I was profoundly honored to give him the Medal of Freedom.” 

The highlight of the service was the reading of Justin Dart’s final message. His granddaughter, who Marca Bristo reported was the “light of his life,” read the powerful final communication of Justin. 

“Justin Dart always identified himself as an ADAPT member. He believed in direct action,” said Bob Kafka the national organizer for ADAPT. “Justin, we will free the two million people in institutions, we will free our people.” 

Much of the tribute was directed at Yoshiko Dart who had a long and special relationship to Justin. She and members of the Dart family sang the song “Sakura,” a song in Japanese. 

“I will remember the boots, I will remember the hat, but most of all Yoshiko,” said Ralph Neas of People for the American Way, “I will remember you (and Justin) side by side.” 

“He loved with premeditated passion,” said Joe Washington for the Dart family. 

Following the Memorial Service there was a celebration at Union Station that featured music by the Dart family. Hundreds of people came to the gala where Senator Tom Harkin made a toast to Justin Dart. 

“In the 16 years I knew Justin he never talked about yesterday,” said Sen. Harkin. “Justin Dart’s tomorrow is MiCASSA ... Here is to Justin Dart’s tomorrow.” 

Washington, DC 

Help Make Voting Accessible

 NIST Seeks Public Comment on Recommendations for Promoting Access to Voting for People with Disabilities

October 27, 2021

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requests public comments on the Draft of Promoting Access to Voting: Recommendations for Addressing Barriers to Private and Independent Voting for People with Disabilities. Under Executive Order 14019 on Promoting Access to Voting, NIST is directed to identify barriers to private and independent voting for people with disabilities, make recommendations to remove these barriers, and evaluate the steps needed to ensure that the online Federal Voter Registration Form is accessible to people with disabilities. The Draft is available in the Federal Register. 

The Draft was developed by NIST using information collected through the Request for Information that was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2021, reviews of reports, papers and other literature, and engagement with stakeholder organizations and election officials. NIST is seeking comment on the Draft from persons with disabilities, disability advocacy groups, assistive technology vendors and professionals, non-partisan voting promotion groups, voting technology vendors, election officials, and other stakeholders. 

Public comments must be received by 5:00 pm ET on November 22, 2021. Comments may be submitted at www.regulations.gov under NIST-2021-0005-0001 or by email at pva-eo@list.nist.gov. Complete instructions for comment submission can be found in the Federal Register notice. For questions about this request for public comment, contact Kevin Mangold, NIST, by phone at 1-301-975-5628 or email Kevin.Mangold@nist.gov. Users of telecommunication devices for the deaf, or a text telephone, may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Give Us the Ballot

 By Christina Clift

On Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Americans will once again have the opportunity to decide who will lead our country for the next four years by casting their vote.  No matter if you decide to step into a polling booth during early voting or on election day or vote by absentee ballot, you have the right to ensure that it can be done in secret and independently.  

In 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr delivered his speech “Give Us the Ballot” at the Lincoln Memorial which advocated for giving African Americans the right to vote in the United States.  His speech is as relevant today as it was sixty-three years ago.  In recent years voter suppression has become more rampant through passage of voter identification laws, closing polling locations, and by continuing to deny people with disabilities the right to a fully accessible voting process.  

People with disabilities have the same right to cast their ballot independently and in secret, however barriers often prevent us from doing so.  During the August 6th election I visited my local polling location in Millington.  I signed in and notified the polling workers that I would require an audible ballot due to being blind.  They assured me that it would be handled.  Of course, I knew better since almost every time I go to vote it has never gone smoothly and I was not wrong this time.  

Once I inserted my card nobody started speaking in my headphones.  After working with the polling location judge for almost an hour, I still was not able to vote using an audio ballot.  So, I agreed to have sighted assistance.  Since my mother accompanied me to vote herself, she assisted me to cast my ballot.  Luckily, we voted for the same people.  

The polling location judge said, “I knew that you would be coming because you come every election and I made sure we were ready, but I wasn’t expecting it not to work.”

Being denied the right to cast my own ballot myself makes me feel that my vote isn’t important enough to ensure that polling workers receive adequate training on how to set up the machine or program the card.  Thankfully, I am stubborn enough to keep trying but many people aren’t.  They just decide not to vote.  Now more than ever you must vote like your life depends on it because given the COVID-19 pandemic it does.

"Give us the ballot and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights ...Give us the ballot and we will no longer plead to the federal government for passage of affordable healthcare laws…...Give us the ballot and we will fill our legislative halls with men and women of good will ...Give us the ballot and we will place judges on the benches of our nation who will do justly and love mercy ...Give us the ballot and we will quietly and nonviolently, without rancor or bitterness, implement ...

Curtis Tillman adds to Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “The Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision of June 22, 1999 and full implementation of the ADA.”

In a recent move the state of Tennessee provided an accessible method for blind individuals to cast their absentee ballot.  This was made possible by the efforts of advocates from Disability Rights of Tennessee, the National Federation of the Blind, and other advocacy organizations continuously demanding accessibility in voting.  

Now don’t get me wrong the process they put in place isn’t perfect, but it is a good first step.  Currently if you request an accessible absentee ballot, they will send it to you through email.  The ballot is a completable PDF document that blind individuals can fill out using their computer without assistance from anyone.  However, here is where it becomes inaccessible, you have to print and sign your ballot.  This requires sighted assistance.  As a result, your vote is no longer private and can’t be done independently.  It also leaves out people who do not have a computer or internet access.  

Accessibility must be ensured throughout all methods of voting.  Polling stations must be accessible to people who use mobility devices, machines need to be in working order and accessible to people who can not read regular print and adaptable for people who can not reach or touch the screen from a standing position, and absentee voting processes must be made accessible from requesting the ballot, to filling it out, signing it, and sending it back through the mail.  If one of these things are not accessible then voting is not a right that all Americans can exercise.  

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all cast our vote by dialing in and pushing a number for our candidates or to receive an absentee ballot we could do it online and sign it electronically?  Now I know that many people worry about voter fraud, but there has to be a simpler way for us all to vote while ensuring that it is secure from threats and fraud both within and outside our borders.

It will be up to all people with and without disabilities to demand that our government “give us the ballot” and to ensure that no matter who you are that it is an accessible process for all to participate in.  

“So, pack your dinner and maybe a breakfast because the wait might be long…but get out and vote” is a line from former First Lady Michelle Obama’s convention speech given on August 17, 2020.  

As for myself, I will once again return to my polling location and hopefully the promises made by my polling location judge will come true that I will be able to cast my vote in secret and independently in November.  

Just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. you can demand that the government “give us the ballot” by voting, so make sure that you are registered and know where you can go vote because now more than ever that right is not secure and can be taken away from those in power.  You can call the Shelby County Election Commission at (901) 222-1200 or by visiting govotetn.com.

Civil Rights Reporting

Department of Justice

Office of Public Affairs

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 15, 2020

Department of Justice Announces Launch of Civil Rights Reporting Portal

A new online tool designed to help the public report civil rights violations

The Department of Justice today announced the launch of the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation.

“The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”

The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at civilrights.justice.gov – will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal will dramatically ease the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of civil rights violations can learn how to report violations by visiting civilrights.justice.gov.

If you believe that you are a victim of criminal civil rights violations, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, hate crimes, or human trafficking, please contact your local FBI office.

Topic(s): 

Civil Rights

Component(s): 

Civil Rights Division

Disability Rights and the ACA

Leading Disability Rights Groups File Amicus Brief Defending the Affordable Care Act in Supreme Court Case WASHINGTON, DC – The American Association of People with Disabilities, the  Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, the Judge Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and 16 other leading disability rights organizations, represented pro bono by law firms Dentons and Baker Hostetler,  filed an amicus brief with the US Supreme Court highlighting the crucial health care protections that Congress provided for people with disabilities in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA prevented people from being denied coverage or charged more due to pre-existing conditions and made coverage of needed services available and affordable to millions of people with disabilities for the first time. In March, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, formerly known as Texas v. US and now known as California v. Texas, which it will hear in the fall. The case involves a challenge by Texas and other states to the constitutionality of the ACA’s “individual mandate” to have health insurance. Texas argues that the mandate is unconstitutional and that the entire law must be struck down. The Bazelon Center, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and the ACLU were also counsel on the amicus brief. “It would be a dark day for people with disabilities if the Court were to eliminate the ACA,” said Ted Kennedy Jr., chair of the board of the American Association of People with Disabilities.  Maria Town, AAPD’s CEO, added, “For disabled people, the ACA has meant not only the opportunity to get needed healthcare, but also independence and, in many cases, the difference between life and death.” “Congress clearly intended to provide protections for people with disabilities and would not have intended that the whole law be struck down even if one part of it was found invalid,” said Jennifer Mathis, Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. “With the ACA, Congress advanced the United States along the long road of ensuring healthcare equality for people with disabilities of all ages,” said Silvia Yee, Senior Staff Attorney for the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund. “Our brief establishes how striking down the entire law thwarts the intent of Congress, deprives disabled Americans and their families of the health coverage they need to live full, productive and healthy lives in their communities, and hurts the entire nation.” Contacts: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law: Amy Weiss, 202-203-0448, amy@weisspublicaffairs.com  American Association of People with Disabilities: Keri Gray, 202-521-4310, kgray@aapd.com Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund: Lawrence Carter-Long, 510-644-2555 x. 5256, lcarterlong@dredf.org

* * *