DOJ reaches agreement with the City of Philadelphia Police Department to ensure effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals

August 8, 2018September 17, 2018 Snap4kids

The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with the City of Philadelphia Police Department to resolve allegations that it violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying deaf and hard of hearing individuals full and equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from its programs, services, and activities.

People interested in finding out more about the ADA, or this agreement may call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at https://www.ada.gov.

DOJ Settlements

DOJ reaches agreement with The Pawn Shop to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities who use service dogs

August 8, 2018September 17, 2018 Snap4kids

The Justice Department reached an agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with The Pawn Shop and Tax Service, Inc., (The Pawn Shop) in Pensacola, Florida to resolve a complaint under title III of the ADA. The Department’s investigation found that the manager of The Pawn Shop asked a veteran who uses a service dog to leave because the manager mistakenly believed the dog was a pet, not a service dog. Public accommodations must permit Individuals who use service dogs, including veterans with disabilities who use service dogs for disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or mobility disabilities, into their establishments.

The settlement agreement requires The Pawn Shop to adopt and implement a service dog policy consistent with the ADA; provide training on the service dog policy to employees and managers; and post the service dog policy in the Shop and on social media. The Pawn Shop cooperated with the Department throughout the investigation.

People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this agreement can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at https://www.ada.gov .

Capitol Insider

The Capitol Insider for August 6

August 8, 2018September 17, 2018 Snap4kids

Action Alert

Urge Congress to Pass the EMPOWER Care Act

Major Recent Events

Health – HHS Releases Final Rule Regarding ACA Non-Compliant Short-Term Plans

On August 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule regarding the sale of short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI). The final rule changes the duration limit from three months to less than 12 months and allows renewal for up to 36 months. STLDI plans are not required to cover the essential health benefits generally required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), such as rehabilitative and habilitative services, and mental health and substance abuse services. Furthermore, these plans can deny coverage or charge more because of a pre-existing condition, rescind coverage, and impose lifetime and annual limits. The Arc remains concerned that the expansion of these plans will lead to healthier individuals exiting ACA marketplaces and drive up costs for people who need more comprehensive coverage, such as people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Read The Arc’s statement here.

Tax Policy – House Outline for Additional Tax Cuts Released

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) has released a Listening Session Framework for what is being referred to as “Tax Reform 2.0”. The outline includes making permanent the individual and small business tax cuts in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Permanent extension of the individual and small business tax cuts, that are presently set to expire in 2025, would reduce revenues by $1 trillion over ten years – increasing pressure to cut vital federal programs for people with disabilities. Chairman Brady has stated that he intends to bring a legislative package to the floor in September. If both chambers pass a concurrent budget resolution for fiscal year 2019, it would be possible for the Senate to approve additional tax cut legislation by a simple majority.

Social Security/Employment – Senator Introduces Bill to Fund Paid Parental Leave by Cutting Social Security

On August 1, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Economic Security for New Parents Act (S.3345). This bill allows workers to receive 12 weeks paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child by reducing their Social Security retirement benefits. Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) has indicated that she plans to introduce similar legislation in September. The bill does not provide medical leave or leave to care for a family member with a serious medical condition. The Arc opposes S.3345; read The Arc’s statement here.

Due to the August Congressional recess, the Capitol Insider will not be published next week.