Press Releases
United Cerebral Palsy Statement on Tennessee v. Lane (5/17/04)
Washington, DC, May 17, 2004 — Americans with disabilities and their families welcome the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Tennessee v. Lane. The Court today took an important step to uphold the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Supreme Court’s five-to-four decision recognizes each American citizen’s fundamental right of access to the courts. Though narrowly tailored, the Court affirmed the power of the Americans with Disabilities Act to remedy a record of reprehensible, unconstitutional treatment of people with physical and mental disabilities by states such as Tennessee.
Sadly, this case illustrates that widespread state discrimination against people with disabilities continues, fourteen years after the enactment of the ADA. United Cerebral Palsy and the 54 million Americans with disabilities will continue to fight for their civil rights and the restoration of rights eroded by recent Supreme Court decisions limiting the ADA.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities, through an affiliate network.
UCP is comprised of a national network of affiliates who offer a broad array of programs and services for people with disabilities, such as employment services, early intervention programs, assistive technology training, individual and family support, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, employment assistance and advocacy.
Sixty-five percent (65%) of the 170,000 consumers served daily by UCP affiliates have disabilities other than cerebral palsy. United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation’s most efficient charities, with a system-wide average of 85% of all revenues going to programs and services.