Global Courant 2023-05-10 08:22:36
The California Department of Developmental Services has agreed to improve the care it provides to deaf people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as part of a new legal settlement in federal court, according to court documents.
The settlement is the result of a 2020 lawsuit in which deaf clients, their guardians and disability rights organizations statewide alleged that thousands of deaf people who attend the department’s daytime programs or live in the housing are “systematically provided with interpreting and other resources and services.” were denied that are necessary for effective communication,” among other injustices.
“They are isolated from social interaction and are denied the opportunity to develop important life skills,” the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit sought relief not only for said plaintiffs, but also for an entire class of deaf clients who allegedly suffered discrimination within the state system.
State officials began negotiations with the plaintiffs to address their concerns without going through a lengthy process.
The parties notified the court of the proposed settlement in late March, and U.S. District Judge Susan Illston granted preliminary approval to the settlement on April 28. Final approval has yet to be obtained.
Under the agreement, the department will assess the communication needs of deaf clients at 21 regional centers it operates throughout the state, provide specialized training around these needs to center staff and other service providers, and collaborate with experts and other local agencies that provide services to deaf people. .
The state will hire a statewide deaf specialist and fund all 21 regional centers to hire their own deaf specialists. Work is also being done on a ‘housemate matching system’ that will give deaf clients more opportunities to live together or to communicate with others.
The state will create a web page with information about its services for deaf clients and notify all its regional centers of their obligations under federal law not to discriminate against deaf clients, including by ensuring that the centers have all necessary services available to communicate with them.
The settlement also expects the state to pay $1.3 million to cover plaintiffs’ legal fees.
Department officials did not respond to a request for comment on the settlement on Tuesday.
Meredith Weaver, senior staff attorney at Disability Rights Advocates, said her organization and the other plaintiffs were “very happy” with the settlement.
“It’s a robust package of changes, and to get that to the state level — so that it really impacts the system for all class members — is excellent,” Weaver said. “The state has made some very strong commitments here to hearing the voices of class members and of the deaf community, as well as making changes almost immediately.”
The advocacy groups have until the end of June to notify an estimated 10,000 classmates of the settlement, and class members have until mid-August to object, Weaver said.
The parties will seek final approval of the settlement at a hearing scheduled for Sept. 15, she said.
