The Medical Necessity Dodge
A federal appeals court rejected a defense used by institutions to deny accommodations for disabled individuals, ruling that self-determined medical necessity cannot end ADA inquiries. The case of Bilal Adom, who was denied incontinence supplies,…
Disability Pride Month Ends At The Courthouse Door
In July, politicians will commemorate the ADA's anniversary, yet it doesn't protect disabled parents in family courts, where their rights often face termination due to disability. Recent studies reveal that 42 states maintain statutes allowing parental…
The Force Multiplier
The family court system overlooks the specific needs of disabled children in custody disputes, failing to recognize how coercive control impacts their well-being. These children face heightened risks of abuse, and current legal reforms neglect their…
PTSD Is Not a Parenting Defect: Family Courts Must Stop Treating Veterans’ Disabilities as Risk Without Individualized ADA Assessments
June is PTSD Awareness Month, highlighting the need for family courts to stop using PTSD and military service as stereotypes that unjustly restrict parental rights. Courts must ensure individualized assessments to distinguish real risks from harmful…
Steny Hoyer Retires — And the ADA Legacy That Defined His Career
Steny Hoyer's legacy in Congress is primarily linked to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which he helped champion as a chief sponsor. The ADA transformed access and inclusion for millions of people with disabilities, although…
Justice Cannot Be Blind to Invisible Disabilities
In Maryland, a crisis is emerging in courtrooms regarding the ADA's promise of equal access, particularly for individuals with invisible disabilities like ADHD and PTSD. Judges are often making determinations on disabilities without medical input,…
Md. ID law is a good step (Published in The Washington Post, Oct. 15, 2025)
Maryland's "Eric's Law," allowing non-apparent disabilities to be marked on driver's licenses, is a positive step for disability rights, promoting understanding in law enforcement. However, deeper reforms in the court system are required, including…