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Good News Report
DRLC Newsletter

Friday, July 8, 2011

Cancer Rights Conference in Chicago a Success!

 

On Friday, June 24, the Cancer Legal Resource Center hosted its long anticipated Chicago Cancer Rights Conference. Despite this being the CLRC's second year in the Chicago area, more than 325 people from 21 states registered for the conference---a significant increase compared to last year's 200 registrations from 10 states! Patients, caregivers, survivors, healthcare professionals, attorneys, an administrative law judge, consultants, and advocates all joined us to learn about cancer-related legal issues and resources.

 

Cancer Rights Conference Chicago 2011
A packed hall for a session of the Cancer Rights Conference in Chicago

 

Numbers aside, our greatest success in Chicago was our satisfied conference attendees---many of whom were empowered to better advocate for themselves or share their knowledge with those who most need access to information and resources on cancer-related legal issues. A few attendees nicely summed up why the CLRC is committed to hosting free Cancer Rights Conferences nationwide:
 

Cancer Rights Conference Chicago 2011

CLRC Staff Attorney Laura Riley gives a presentation


"The more information we have, the better we are able to help our patients. Cancer affects all of us!"

"This program was awesome. Everything presented was valuable information. As a cancer survivor it is comforting to know there is someone out there looking out for us. Thank you so much CLRC for all you do. You make a difference in our lives!"

"The entire day was outstanding! The efforts put forth by a small group of individuals to bring so much knowledge to this large group shows what a difference a few dedicated people can make. I was inspired and privileged to have been able to be part of this special day. I will use these resources every day as a nurse case manager. Thank you! I look forward to future presentations."
 

For those of you who were able to attend, we hope that you also felt that the day was worthwhile. If you were not able to join us in Chicago, please consider joining us in Washington, DC on September 23, or Ann Arbor, MIon October 21. Registration and more information about these next two Conferences can be found at www.CancerRightsConference.org.

Lani Woltmann Educates Attorneys on Elmination of Bias
  

To advance our mission of championing the civil rights of people with disabilities, DRLC staff often trains and speaks to groups about disability rights. Last month, Pro Bono Program Director Lani Woltmann visited the Los Angeles office of law firm Sedgwick LLP to give continuing legal education on elimination of bias in the legal profession. Approximately 20 lawyers were in attendance. If your group would like similar training, email Ms. Woltmann at:Lani.Woltmann@LLS.edu 

Anya Prince Participates in Forum on Hereditary Cancer
  
FORCE logo
FORCE logo

Anya Prince, Skadden Fellow at the Cancer Legal Resource Center, travelled to Orlando, Florida, where she attended the Joining FORCE's conference, an annual forum on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer put on by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). Ms. Prince staffed an exhibition table throughout the conference where she provided information and resources on peoples' legal concerns surrounding a genetic predisposition to cancer. Additionally, she moderated a panel on "Reaching Out to Underserved Communities" during one of the sessions.

John Villar de Longoria Trains Businesses Owners and Workers on Complying with the ADA
  

On June 30, John Villar de Longoria, Director of the Community Outreach Program, trained owners of small businesses in San Diego on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mr. Longoria provided an overview of Title III of the ADA, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and accessibility requirements that apply to small businesses. Business owners also received information regarding the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Senate Bill 1608, a comprehensive reform measure that was passed in 2008 to promote better compliance with the ADA and California's equal access laws. The event was sponsored by JobWorks, Inc., which operates the Metro Career Centers in San Diego. On July 6, Longoria conducted an "ADA - Employment Rights" training workshop at The Little People of America's National Conference in Anaheim. He provided conference attendees with an overview of their employment rights under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.

Attorneys Volunteer to Help Callers to the CLRC
  

The Cancer Legal Resource Center would like to thank Sarah Wolk and Zack Levine from Glendale, California,for joining the CLRC's Professional Panel. Attorneys in the Professional Panel have agreed to volunteer their time to speak with callers on the CLRC's national Telephone Assistance Line, in an effort to assist in resolving cancer-related legal issues.

Maggie Hui Attends Community Meeting on Health Issues  

 

On July 7, Maggie Hui, Community Outreach Program Coordinator, attended a Community Alliances of Orange County meeting. The Alliance brings together members of more than thirty community groups for quarterly networking events where they hold discussions, share resources, and build partnerships to address  health issues in Orange County. In addition to the quarterly meetings, the Alliance will hold its annual conference on Thursday, July 21. For more information and to register to attend the upcoming conference, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LBK779K.

Disability Community Mourns the Loss of Laura Williams
  
Laura Williams at 2010 RespectABILITY
Laura Williams in 2010 at the RespectABILITY Conference

Laura Williams, a stalwart advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 6th. Californians for Disability Rights will send out information about funeral services when they are available. Ms. Williams was known and respected for her work on behalf of people with disabilities and seniors, including the state's compliance of the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead Decision and passage of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. She was a constant voice and visible presence at State Capitol hearings and meetings on issues including  In-Home Supportive Services, developmental services, access to public accommodations for children and adults with disabilities, mental health needs, and issues involving seniors. Most recently, Laura participated at the  Olmstead Advisory Committee in April, offering many comments regarding the need for the state to move aggressively toward full compliance of the landmark decision.

Save The Date

Hold Saturday Night July 23 for 'Casino Angeleno'

 Casino Angeleno icon

The Cancer Legal Resource Center's Casino Night event is back by popular demand! The CLRC will be hosting its "Casino Angeleno" summer event on Saturday, July 23, 2011, sponsored by our exclusive "Baccarat Sponsor" Ticketmaster®; "Roulette Sponsor" KDB - Your Neighborhood Kitchen, Den, Bar; and "Poker Sponsor" MassMutual Financial Group. Set on the rooftop deck of the Petersen Automotive Museum, with the Hollywood Hills as a spectacular backdrop, guests will enjoy a starry, summer night of guilt-free gaming, music and prizes. Proceeds will benefit the Cancer Legal Resource Center. For sponsorship opportunities, download the sponsorship packet, or contact Joanna Morales at joanna.morales@lls.edu. Event details are posted at www.CancerLegalResourceCenter.org. To purchase tickets, download the invitation

Community Outreach Program Provides Free Legal Clinics  
Photo of Dayle McIntosh Center
Dayle McIntosh Center

 

To better serve residents of Orange County, Community Outreach Program staff will hold office hours on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Dayle McIntosh Center in Garden Grove. That means this month we will host office hours at the center on July 13 and 27. Come meet our staff and learn about laws protecting the civil rights of those with disabilities, and services available to them, including health care, special education, government services and more. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Maggie Hui, Community Outreach Program Coordinator, at (213) 736-1408 or Maggie.Hui@lls.edu. Video TDD (213) 736-8310; Video Relay Number (866) 912-8193. The Dayle McIntosh Center is located at 13272 Garden Grove Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92843-2205.

Champion the Rights of People with Disabilities by Shopping, Searching Online  

 

You can support the work of the Disability Rights Legal Center simply by shopping and searching online. Become an iGive member and choose the DRLC as one of the causes you support, then click on an iGive link to one of the almost one thousand participating retailers, including Amazon.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, DisneyStore.com, eBay, Expedia.com, Hotwire.com, Macy's, NORDSTROM.com, Overstock.com, ProFlowers, Sport Chalet, Travelocity. You will not pay more for products, rather the companies give a listed percentage of the purchase to your cause. There are no obligations or hidden fees. Causes always receive 100% of the donation amount advertised on iGive's website. You can also contribute to the DRLC simply by using iGive's search engine. Go to iGive.com to sign up.

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DRLC Staff Photo August 2010
Disability Rights Legal Center Staff Photo August 2010