DLRC Files Brief in Supreme Court Defending the Rights of

Posthumously Conceived Children of Cancer Patients

This week the Disability Rights Legal Center filed an amicus curiae brief before the Supreme Court of the United States, arguing in favor of granting child survivor benefits under the Social Security Act to posthumously conceived children of deceased wage earners. The effort was led by Laura Riley, CLRC Staff Attorney, and Paula Pearlman, DRLC Executive Director, working with Munger, Tolles & Olson lawyers Mark Helm, Charles Siegal, Kyle Casazza, David Thompson, Jeremy Lawrence, and Tonya Long. More than one and a half million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2012. Although medical treatments are increasingly successful, those treatments are often accompanied by harmful effects on patients' fertility. Fertility preservation allows the surviving spouse to choose to reproduce after their partner is deceased. Many of these patients elect to have children regardless of their prognosis. In their defense, the DRLC discusses these oncofertility issues and gives legal arguments in its amicus brief for the case of Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security v. Karen K. Capato.

Most Successful Special Education Academy Yet!           

Academy graduates hold up their Certificates of Completion

On February 4, the Disability Rights Legal Center presented its most successful special education advocacy academy, with close to 50 parents, teachers and advocates in attendance. During the day-long academy, DRLC attorneys gave presentations on learning disabilities, special education law, and Individual Education Programs (IEPs). Participants engaged in role playing exercises simulating IEP meetings, and spent time networking with each other. In addition, they learned about DRLC services, received a free DRLC Education Advocacy Manual, and a Certificate of Completion.

This year's upcoming academies are scheduled for Saturday, April 28 (register by Wednesday, April 25); Saturday, August 18 (register by Wednesday, August 15); and Saturday, November 3 (register by Wednesday, October 31). Unless otherwise specified, the academies are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Founders Hall Room 236, Loyola Law School, 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Registration is required. DRLC asks for a $10 donation but no one is turned away for lack of funds. DRLC provides snacks and lunch. Enrollment is limited to parents, guardians and parent advocates.

CLRC Attorney Interviewed on Univision News 

CLRC Staff Attorney Laura Riley interviewed on Noticiero Univision

Noticiero Univision interviewed Laura Riley, CLRC Staff Attorney, for the news segment "La comunidad latina tiene ayuda para combatir el cáncer" or "The Latin community has help fighting cancer." Ms. Riley spoke on how undocumented people living in California can access cancer treatment through the state's Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program. She also shared information on the CLRC, including its toll-free telephone assistance line at 866-THE-CLRC. Ms. Riley is a member of the Unidos Coalition of Komen Orange County, an organization that helps Latinos get access to breast cancer screenings, treatment, and information. The Univision interview has increased awareness of the CLRC in the nation's Latino community. To view the segment on Univision, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc1Yh_8g4aM.

DRLC Outreach Director Speaks at Braille Challenge 

On February 4, the Community Outreach Program Director, John Villar de Longoria, gave a presentation at the Orange County Braille Institute's Regional Braille Challenge. The Braille Challenge® is the Braille Institute's national reading and writing contest. The event is designed to motivate blind students to study Braille, while rewarding their success with a fun-filled, but challenging, weekend of events. By speaking on the subject of disability rights, Mr. Villar de Longoria empowered parents and students to become their own advocates. For more information on the Braille Challenge® contact: Stevie McBride at slmcbride@brailleinstitute.org. 

Saturday, February 11

Seminar & Clinic: Children with Disabilities at Charter Schools 

The Disability Rights Legal Center is presenting a seminar and legal clinic for parents, guardians, and advocates on students with disabilities' rights to admission, special education and related services at charter schools. DRLC will do legal intakes to determine if we can be of assistance, including providing referrals and options to resolve disputes. Lunch and snacks are provided. DRLC asks for voluntary donation of $10. The seminar and clinic is Saturday, February 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Loyola Law School, 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Download the flyer for more information. To sign up and/or request accommodations please contact us at: (213) 736-1447; toll free, (866) 999-3752; video relay phone, (866) 912-8193; or email DRLC@lls.edu. 

Register for CLRC's 2012 Cancer Rights Conferences  

Registration is now open for Cancer Legal Resource Center's 2012 Cancer Rights Conferences! The CLRC will be hosting conferences in Boston, MA, on May 29; Chicago, IL, on September 7; Central Valley, CA, on October 5; and Houston, TX on October 19. Each of these conferences will bring together cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, attorneys, health care professionals, and other members of the cancer community to learn about subjects including health insurance, health care reform, employment, and taking time off work and disability insurance.  To register, please visit www.cancerrightsconference.org. For more information about becoming a sponsor or partner of the CLRC's National Cancer Rights Conferences, click here. 

Donate

The online credit card donation feature is available on the Make a Donation page of the DRLC website. This quick and easy function can be used for general donations.   

Volunteer

Visit the How You Can Help page of our website to volunteer as a pro bono attorney on a disability rights case, work as a student law clerk or assist with intake and administrative responsibilities.