Maine Hit with Federal Lawsuit over ADA Violations

Long-awaited Legal Action Finally Filed

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been hit with a federal lawsuit over alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit, filed by Disability Rights Maine (DRM) and the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, alleges that DHHS has failed to provide adequate mental health services to people with disabilities. This has led to people with disabilities being unnecessarily institutionalized, locked away in seclusion, or restrained. The lawsuit also alleges that DHHS has failed to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, such as providing sign language interpreters or assistive technology.

A Pattern of Neglect

The lawsuit cites several specific examples of DHHS's alleged violations of the ADA. For example, the lawsuit alleges that DHHS failed to provide a reasonable accommodation for a deaf patient at Riverview Psychiatric Center. The patient was not provided a sign language interpreter, which made it difficult for him to communicate with staff and receive treatment. The lawsuit also alleges that DHHS failed to provide adequate mental health services to a patient with autism at the Augusta Mental Health Institute. The patient was placed in seclusion for over 24 hours, despite the fact that there was no medical justification for doing so.

Justice for Those in Need

DRM and the Bazelon Center are seeking a court order to force DHHS to comply with the ADA. They are also seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the people who have been harmed by DHHS's alleged violations of the law. "This lawsuit is about ensuring that people with disabilities in Maine have access to the same quality of care as everyone else," said DRM Executive Director Rachel Talbot Ross. "DHHS has failed to meet its obligations under the ADA, and we are taking legal action to hold them accountable."

Background of the ADA

The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law requires businesses, schools, and other public entities to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. The ADA also prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and transportation.

What's Next?

The lawsuit is still in its early stages, and it is unclear how long it will take to resolve. However, the lawsuit is a significant step forward in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities in Maine.