DRO and Partners Receive National Award for Lane v. Brown Settlement
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), our litigation partners, and the plaintiffs in the Lane v. Brown lawsuit have received an award honoring the lawsuit’s Settlement Agreement from TASH, an international disability advocacy leader.
TASH awarded the Marc Gold Award for Employment to Disability Rights Oregon, Cathy Costanzo, Steve Schwartz, and the following eight plaintiffs from the class action lawsuit, Lane v. Brown:
Paula Lane,
Andres Paniagua,
Elizabeth Harrah,
Angela Kehler,
Gretchen Cason,
Lori Robertson
Sparkle Green, and
Zavier Kinville
Each year, TASH honors those whose contributions have advanced equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, and whose actions set a high standard for human rights every day. The Marc Gold Award for Employment honors the contribution of Marc Gold, both to the disability field and to TASH. This award is presented for making a significant contribution to increasing access to community, integrated employment for persons with significant disabilities.
The Lane v. Brown lawsuit settlement agreement calls for 1,115 people in sheltered workshops to receive jobs in the community at competitive wages over the next seven years. In addition, 7,000 people will receive employment services that will afford them the opportunity to work in the community.
The award will be presented at the 2016 TASH Conference, Awards and Opening Reception, Wednesday, November 30, 5:30pm – 7:30pm in St. Louis, Missouri. The reception will feature the 2016 TASH Award winners as well as conference exhibitors. Attendees will have the chance to network and visit exhibit booths. Food and beverages will be shared with attendees.
Founded in 1975, TASH advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs – those most vulnerable to segregation, abuse, neglect and institutionalization. TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates.