CPR uses legal strategies, advocacy, and policy to promote the integration and full community participation of people with disabilities and all others who are devalued in today’s society.

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    Litigation

    Expanding and protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

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    Advocacy

    Stay current on disability issues, educate yourself about the impact of proposed policy changes, and learn how to take action.

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    SSI/SSDI

    Representing individuals in western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties) who have been denied Social Security disability benefits.

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    Supported Decision-Making

    Learn about SDM, read how SDM transforms lives, and become a participant, supporter or advocate.

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    COVID-19

    Get up-to-date resources on COVID-19 and its impact on people with disabilities, including information on the latest policy developments, medical rationing, and Medicaid.

News

  • North Carolina Increases COVID-19 Medical Rationing Protections for Disabled Patients in Response to Civil Rights Complaint by Disability Rights NC and Other Advocacy Groups
    January 15, 2021
    North Carolina is the latest state to follow suit and improve medical rationing protections for people with disabilities as COVID-19 outbreaks continue to surge throughout the nation. Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) and The Arc of North Carolina filed a complaint alleging the state's scarce medical resource plan illegally deprioritized people with disabilities in the allocation of lifesaving care. CPR was proud to partner with these organizations and our national coalition of disability advocates such as The Arc of the United States, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Samuel Bagenstos. In response to the complaint, North Carolina revised its “Protocol for Allocating Scarce Inpatient Critical Care Resources in a Pandemic” to comply with federal disability rights laws and ensure that people with disabilities will not encounter discrimination. Together, we continue to protect and guarantee equitable access to life-saving care to individuals with disabilities.
  • Among Rampant COVID-19 Spread, CPR and Partners Secure Federal Approval of Revised Crisis Standards of Care Guidelines in Texas
    January 14, 2021
    Today, amidst an unparalleled rampant spread of COVID-19 infection throughout the country and the looming specter of care rationing as hospitals become overwhelmed, civil rights groups, working closely with two Texas regional health groups and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the approval of revised crisis standard of care guidelines
  • Case Brought Against Two Connecticut Psychiatric Hospitals Challenging the State’s Failure to Adequately Protect Residents from Contracting and Dying from COVID-19 is Dismissed
    January 13, 2021
    The case of Wilkes v. Lamont was filed in response to COVID-19 deaths and unsafe conditions in two of Connecticut’s state psychiatric hospitals, Connecticut Valley Hospital and Whiting Forensic Hospital.  In the spring COVID-19 surge, five patients died and scores of patients and staff were infected. The Plaintiffs, five hospital patients, asked the U.S. District Court to require state officials, including the Governor, to improve infection control at the hospitals, limit admissions, and accelerate discharges.
  • CPR Releases Updated ‘Know Your Rights’ Resource on Crisis Standards of Care
    January 7, 2021
    CPR along with the Disability Law Center announce an updated guide to crisis standards of care for individuals with disabilities, their families, and health care agents titled:  Health Care Rationing and Accommodations: What Massachusetts Patients with Disabilities Need to Know During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Congress passes COVID-19 relief that leaves out pressing disability community priorities
    December 22, 2020
    On December 21, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which includes both general government funding and coronavirus relief provisions. While the coronavirus relief provisions include some urgently needed aid, Congress once again failed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The government funding portion of the bill, however, does extend funding for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program for three years, along with spousal impoverishment protections.