ADA National Network Learning Session: Disability Accessibility in Health Care, Whats New? Recent OCR Cases and Guidance
26th August, 2021
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) enforces federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion and the exercise of conscience. This seminar will focus on what HHS OCR does to enforce those laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to participate in health care program activities and services.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Have a better understanding of OCR's role in enforcement of federal non-discrimination laws
- Receive an overview of the protections afforded by the following laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Gain awareness for how to achieve program access, reasonable modifications, and effective communication in health care settings.
Presenters:
Cathy Cushman, is an investigator at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civils Rights (OCR), Mid-Atlantic Region. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Law she clerked for two years as the pro se law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. She then worked for the Protection and Advocacy program in Connecticut as well as Connecticut Legal Services focusing on representing individuals with disabilities in actions under the ADA, Section 504, and the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Cathy joined OCR in September 2020 where she investigates complaints and conducts compliance reviews to ensure compliance by covered entities with civil rights laws and HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
Session Handouts