[Ncabs] Fw: [NFB-Legislative-Directors] H.R. 3765 the "ADA Education and ReformAct of 2015"

[sharon_newton]

Hello Everyone:
Turkey Day got in my way on this one, and I don't have access to email except at home. However, it is not too late at all. PLEASE read carefully and RESPOND by calling your congress person. Ask the legislative aide for education to call you back about this to make sure he or she received the message. Passage of this bill would stop our efforts to achieve equal access for print disabled people in colleges and other institutions of higher learning. What the bill would do is horrifying. We cannot let Congress pass this bill. The main switchboard number is 202-224-3121. The operators will connect you to your Congress person's office. 
Thanks to each of you for responding.
Sharon Newton
Legislative Coordinator

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Diggs, Parnell via NFB-Legislative-Directors 
To: State Affiliate Leadership List ; NFB Legislative Directors List 
Cc: Diggs, Parnell 
Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 2:21 PM
Subject: [NFB-Legislative-Directors] H.R. 3765 the "ADA Education and ReformAct of 2015"


Dear Colleagues,

 

This is just a heads-up about H.R. 3765, the "ADA Education and Reform Act of 2015", which was introduced on October 20, 2015, by Representative Ted Poe of Texas and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.  It is a terrible bill that would have a chilling effect upon ADA rights.

 

H.R. 3765 would make it illegal even to discuss litigation with covered entities for ADA violations without first requiring a person with a disability to suffer the indignity of asking that an access barrier be removed.  It would also prohibit litigation over existing violations if a covered entity promises future compliance, and it would eliminate jury trials for individuals with disabilities who do manage to get their ADA cases into court.

 

Keep in mind, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990.  It is those who still refuse to provide access to individuals with disabilities at this late date who should be penalized, not people with disabilities.  There is no shame in standing up for one's rights under the ADA.  So far, this bill does not have bipartisan support.

 

Here are the names of the eleven cosponsors by state:  Bradley Byrne of Alabama, Jeff Denham, Devin Nunes, and David Valadao of California, David Jolly of Florida, Doug Collins of Georgia, Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina, Michael Burgess, Brian Babin, Kenny Marchant, and Lamar Smith of Texas.  Please call your Congressmen and tell them that H.R. 3765 is a terrible idea.

 

We are tracking legislative developments from here and will keep you up-to-date on any breaking news, positive or negative, as appropriate.  

 

Thanks for all you do.

 

 

Parnell Diggs, Esq.

Director of Government Affairs

National Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street

Baltimore, MD 21230

Office: (410) 659-9314, extension 2222

Mobile: (843) 267-2018

Email: pdiggs at nfb.org

Twitter: @NFB_Voice

  @ParnellDiggs

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

 

Make a gift to the National Federation of the Blind and help ensure all blind Americans live the lives they want



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