CONSORTIUM FOR CONSTITUENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Myths and Truths About ADA Notification Proposals
Efforts to undermine the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), by requiring notification of barriers prior to pursuing remedies would harm people with disabilities. We address and dispel, below, the myths and misinformation about ADA notification proposals.
(May 15, 2019) - Download [ PDF ]

Letter of Senator Tammy Duckworth and 42 other senators opposing ADA notification
We are writing to express our strong opposition to H.R. 620 the ADA Education and Reform Act and any legislation that would repeal or weaken rights under title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability in certain places of public accommodation. As a civil rights law, title III of the ADA was modeled after title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion and national origin in certain places of public accommodation.
(April 13, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

Updated Memo on Existing Means of Addressing Unethical Attorney Conduct
There are a number of ways that existing federal and state laws and systems regulate the conduct of attorneys pursuing disability access claims. These mechanisms have been and continue to be used to sanction and discipline attorneys who engage in fraudulent, unethical or unscrupulous behavior while pursuing disability access claims under the ADA.
(March 9, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

Talking Points: Overview of concerns with H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017, and Similar Bills
H.R. 620 (or any bill that adds “Notice and Cure”*) would significantly weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an important civil rights law. The ADA ensures the rights of people with disabilities to access public accommodations—that is, businesses such as restaurants, hotels, stores, medical facilities, etc. It would turn people with disabilities into second-class citizens and undermine the very principles of the inclusive society that America is all about.
(March 9, 2018)

IDAC letter opposing the ADA Education and Reform Act
We, the undersigned faith-based organizations, write to share our serious concerns with the ADA Education and Reform Act (H.R. 620) and its injurious impact on people with disabilities.
(March 5, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

Statement of Kim Musheno, Chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
CCD strongly condemns the House vote today to roll back the civil rights of people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, and has dramatically changed the lives of people with disabilities. Today's vote will take us back several decades and make it harder for people with disabilities to access the mainstream of society. We call on the Senate to reject any effort to weaken the ADA.
(February 15, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

Autism Society of America Letter to House Leadership in opposition to HR 620 |
On behalf of the Autism Society of America, I am writing to express our strong opposition to the so-called "ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017" (H.R. 620). This misnamed bill would severely weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark civil rights law.
(February 14, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

Epilepsy Foundation Letter to House in opposition to HR 620
On behalf of the Epilepsy Foundation, we urge you to oppose House Bill 620 which erodes the rights of people with disabilities guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by removing a key incentive for voluntary ADA compliance among business owners and shifting the burden of ADA compliance to people with disabilities. There are no monetary damages available under the ADA, so eroding the notification requirement would restrict the rights of all people with disabilities without solving the problem it is intended to address: individuals who file ADA lawsuits for financial gain.
(February 12, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

Myths and Truths About the “ADA Education and Reform Act” (H.R. 620)
The so-called ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 is not what its proponents claim and will not achieve its stated goals. Instead, this bill undermines the very purpose of the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and harms people with disabilities. We address and dispel, below, the myths and misinformation about H.R. 620.
(February 12, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]
[Talking Points]

Bazelon Letter to House Leadership in opposition to HR 620
The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law writes to express strong opposition to the ADA Education and Reform Act, H.R. 620. Founded in 1972 as the Mental Health Law Project, the Bazelon Center is a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization that promotes equal opportunity for individuals with mental disabilities in all aspects of life. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been at the core of the Bazelon Center’s work for many years, and has been one of the most critical pieces of legislation ensuring the advancement of individuals with all types of disabilities over the past several decades.
(February 12, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

United Spinal Updated Opposition HR 620 Letter
United Spinal Associaiton writes to strongly oppose H.R. 620 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
(February 9, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

PVA Letter to House Leadership in opposition to HR 620
On behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), I write to express our strong opposition to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Education and Reform Act (H.R. 620). This legislation would require a person with a disability to give notice to a public accommodation of an architectural barrier under the ADA and allow that accommodation time to cure the problem prior to being able to enforce his or her civil rights through the legal system.
(February 9, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

NAMI's letter in opposition to HR 620
On behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), I am writing in opposition to the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620). NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
(February 9, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

AAPD Letter to House Leadership in opposition to HR 620
On behalf of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), I write to express our strong opposition to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Education and Reform Act (H.R. 620). This legislation would require a person with a disability to give notice to a public accommodation of an architectural barrier under the ADA and allow that accommodation time to cure the problem prior to being able to enforce his or her civil rights through the legal system.
(February 9, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

AARP's letter in opposition to HR 620
On behalf of our 38 million members and all Americans age 50 and older, AARP is writing to express our opposition to H.R. 620, the “ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017.” This bill would weaken protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that help guarantee access to public accommodations for persons with disabilities, including 16 million Americans age 65 and older who have one or more disabilities.
(February 9, 2018) - Download [ PDF ]

NCIL & Allies – 507 Sign on Letter of Opposition for H.R. 620 – 11-20-2017 – 50 States & DC
On July 26, 2017, millions of people with disabilities throughout this country celebrated the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Unfortunately, many in the business community decided to celebrate the anniversary by diminishing this historic civil rights legislation through a letter of support for the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620).
(November 20, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Americans with Disabilities Act Lawsuits: “Drive-By” Litigation or a Tool to Help the Disabled?
Around the country, businesses small and large have seen a surge in Americans with Disabilities Act-related lawsuits claiming failures to provide reasonable accommodations to customers and workers with disabilities. Critics call them “drive-by” lawsuits because many of the plaintiffs allege violations without ever getting out of their cars.
(November 18, 2017)

Congress wants to make Americans with disabilities second-class citizens again - Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat, represents Illinois in the U.S. Senate.
On May 28, 1988, Lisa Carl went to her local movie theater, something millions of Americans can do with ease and comfort. Yet when Lisa tried to go into the theater, the manager refused her ticket, denying her entry because Lisa had cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair. When an advocate called the theater owner about the incident, the manager coldly stated, “I don’t want her in here, and I don’t have to let her in.”
(October 17, 2017)

Comparison of 115th ADA Notification BIlls
(October 3, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Letter of opposition on H.R. 620 from Ohio Groups
The undersigned Ohio organizations write to discuss H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017. H.R. 620 would weaken the ability of people with disabilities to live independently and stilt their access to education, jobs, and the community. Title III of the ADA, the title that affects businesses, is often under-enforced and does not allow the collection of damages. It does not need to be altered.
(September 29, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Save the ADA! Oppose H.R. 620
Extensive resources & links to assist people fighting this draconian, misguided, damaging bill!
(September 19, 2017)

Video of Rep. Jim Langevin statement on House Floor concerning House Judiciary Committee's passage of HR 620:
Langevin Remarks on His Opposition to ADA Education and Reform Act (H.R. 620)
(September 14, 2017)

The Civil Rights Division’s Comments on the “ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017” (H.R. 620)
The Civil Rights Division, which administers and enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act, has various concerns regarding H.R. 620.
(September 11, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Sen. Hassan statement on House Judiciary Committee passage of HR 620:
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement after the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee advanced the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620), which would undermine a number of protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
(September 8, 2017)

Sen. Murray’s Statement on Disability Rights: Misguided, Harmful House Bill
(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released the following statement opposing the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620).
(September 7, 2017)

Sen. Casey Statement on House Judiciary's Decision to Advance Civil Rights Gutting Legislation
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey released the following statement following the House Judiciary Committee’s decision to advance H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017:
(September 7, 2017)

Rep. Scott Statement on Judiciary Committee Passing Bill Attacking Civil Rights for People with Disabilities
WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee passed, on a party line vote, H.R. 620 the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017, legislation that attacks the civil rights of Americans with disabilities.
(September 7, 2017)

CCD and Allies Letter of Opposition for The ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 H.R. 620 - UPDATED
The undersigned 236 members of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and allies of CCD write in opposition to the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620). The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for Federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
(September 7, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Myths and Truths about the ADA Education and Reform Act
The so-called ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 is not what its proponents claim and will not achieve its stated goals. Instead, this bill undermines the very purpose of the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and harms people with disabilities. We address and dispel, below, the myths and misinformation about H.R. 620.
(September 6, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Existing mechanisms to address unscrupulous lawyering practices
There are a number of ways that existing federal and state laws and systems regulate the conduct of attorneys pursuing disability access claims. These mechanisms have been and continue to be used to sanction and discipline attorneys who engage in fraudulent, unethical or unscrupulous behavior while pursuing disability access claims under the ADA. Such mechanisms are a more effective and appropriate way to stop these behaviors than weakening the ability of all individuals with disabilities to enforce their rights under the ADA.
(September 6, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

California groups' letters to California delegation and HR 620 cosponsors
The undersigned are 110 California disability, civil rights, senior, and civic organizations that collectively represent hundreds of thousands of Californians who have or may acquire a disability. We urge you to protect the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to oppose H.R. 620, the inaptly named ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017.
(September 6, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

California groups' letters to California House and HR 620 cosponsors
The undersigned are 110 California disability, civil rights, senior, and civic organizations that collectively represent hundreds of thousands of Californians who have or may acquire a disability. We urge you to protect the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to reconsider and withdraw your co-sponsorship of and support for H.R. 620, the inaptly named ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017.
(September 6, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Illinois groups' letters to Illinois delegation and HR 620 cosponsors
The undersigned are Illinois disability, civil rights, senior, and civic organizations that collectively represent hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans who have or may acquire a disability. We urge you to protect the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to oppose H.R. 620, the inaptly named ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017.
(September 6, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Illinois groups' letters to Illinois House and HR 620 cosponsors
The undersigned are Illinois disability, civil rights, senior, and civic organizations that collectively represent hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans who have or may acquire a disability. We urge you to protect the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to reconsider and withdraw your co-sponsorship of and support for H.R. 620, the inaptly named ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017.
(September 6, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

Leadership Conference letter opposing HR 620
On behalf of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States, we write to express our strong opposition to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620).
(September 6, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]

CCD and allies letter of opposition to HR 620
The undersigned 232 members of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and allies of CCD write in opposition to the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620). The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for Federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
(May 4, 2017) - Download [ PDF ]