Mar 8, 2016
Did you know? In FY2015, Disability Law Colorado. . .
- Delivered 58 trainings reaching over 2000 individuals on disability-related topics including special education, housing, employment, elder and long-term care issues, voting and many others
- Conducted 34 investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect against children and adults with disabilities in facilities, including
- 17 investigations of restraint and seclusion in schools
- 4 investigations involving death
- 5 investigations of abuse or neglect in jails and prisons
- Consulted with 1,437 individuals regarding complaints and issues in long-term care facilities across the state
- Directly represented individuals in 326 cases involving disability-related discrimination or issues in areas including: education, employment, housing, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and accessing public accommodations
- Participated as associational plaintiffs and co-counsel in two major federal lawsuits asserting the rights of prisoners with mental health disabilities, both of which have the potential to positively impact the rights of thousands of people with mental health disabilities who are incarcerated
- Provided technical assistance and referrals to 1,068 callers seeking free or low cost legal assistance for seniors across the state
- Analyzed over 50 legislative bills, at both the state and federal level, including working with and providing support to legislators and other stakeholders throughout the legislative process
- Received the National Disability Rights Network Advocacy Award recognizing the work of Managing Attorney Mark Ivandick in representing prisoners with mental health disabilities
- Conducted 9 on-site reviews of local Older Americans’ Programs around the state
- Supported over 400 families with technical assistance to help them ensure their children with disabilities were receiving appropriate school services
- Produced more than 25 “Know Your Rights” fact sheets and information packets to help consumers with disabilities understand their rights
- Piloted a program to help advocate for eligible individuals who receive Medicare and Medicaid and are experiencing difficulties with their benefits
- Answered calls and provided referral assistance to over 4,000 callers from counties throughout the state
- Responded to over 100 letters from individuals with disabilities who are seeking information on their rights while incarcerated
- Worked with numerous individuals who encountered legal obstacles in trying to leave a nursing home to return to the community
