DOJ Settlement Prompts Push For Reexamination Of Disabilities
Many people in New York collect Social Security disability payments. The reasons why people collect benefits vary widely from cancer to fibromyalgia to blindness. While what constitutes a disability may seem clear-cut, a recent situation at a New England college has prompted some to call for a new determination of what it means to be disabled.The case came out of Lesley University and involved students who were restricted to gluten-free diets. They were forced to buy meal plans as part of being students even though the cafeterias did not provide gluten-free options. This scenario has raised many questions, including whether we can define our surroundings as disabling rather than our conditions.Generally, we think of disability in terms of our bodies being disabling in some way. But one doctor at Johns Hopkins says that there is new thinking around that concept. Some people, he said, have begun to look at environments as being disabling rather than bodies, which would fit the scenario at Lesley University. Whether food allergies or similar issues belong under the umbrella of the Americans with Disabilities Act is another question, he says.The Department of Justice may have answered that question when they ruled that the situation at Lesley University should fall under the ADA. At the heart of the discussion were celiac disease and its potential effects on those who have it. The terms of the settlement state that the university will compensate the students and begin providing gluten-free options on campus. It will be interesting to see what kind of effect this settlement will have on other cases in New York and throughout the nation.Source: Forbes, "What's A Disability? Some Push For The Lines To Be Redrawn," Alice G. Walton, Jan. 25, 2013
Hiring Terry Katz and associates to represent my interests in my Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability case proved to be a smart decision that yielded an extremely successful outcome.
Through the lengthy and intricate process I came to realize just how valuable having a team of highly skilled representation was, and that is just how to describe the law firm of Terry Katz and Associates “Highly skilled legal representation”. I’d like to thank the entire team who worked on both my cases all of whom were always professional, knowledgeable and extremely caring. Throughout my entire case all of my calls and emails were always returned in a timely manner. My questions always answered competently and professionally. I always understood the process and felt a confidence in the process that I would not have had if not for hiring Terry Katz and Associates.
Mostly I’d like to thank Ms. Langdale who worked tirelessly on both my workers compensation case and my social security disability case. Her representation and legal prowess in the court room was nothing short of impressive to witness. I will never forget how confidently represented and protected I felt during her opening remarks at my social security disability hearing.
During these difficult times I was truly grateful to have Ms. Langdale working so diligently and expertly for my interests.
