Maricopa County Superior Court Rules in Favor of Voters with Disabilities, a Win for ACLPI and ACDL

According to a court ruling on October 5, certain people with disabilities will be allowed to use videoconference technology to assist with voting in the upcoming election. The Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest and Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL) consider the recent ruling a win for disabled people and for voting equality.

At issue in the lawsuit was whether bipartisan “Special Election Boards” could use videoconference technology to assist voters who, because of COVID-19, may not be able to interact with Special Election Boards in person. For example, videoconference technology may be the only means available to enable voting for some individuals with disabilities who live in long-term care or other assisted living facilities that may be locked down due to COVID-19. 

Secretary of State Hobbs and Maricopa County Recorder Fontes argued that videoconference technology should be approved for these types of voters. Gov. Doug Ducey’s office and the Attorney General opposed the practice. ACLPI and ACDL filed briefs explaining that federal law requires reasonable accommodation to protect the rights of voters with disabilities.

“The fundamental tenet of our democracy is that every vote is equal,” said ACLPI Executive Director Danny Adelman. “People with disabilities are entitled to reasonable modifications where necessary to avoid discrimination.”

ACLPI has long fought for election integrity and the civil rights of historically underprivileged groups.

Read more about our work here.

Thank You for Making ACLPI’s Annual Fundraising Auction a Success

We’re thrilled to announce we surpassed our fundraising goal with our annual auction (which looked a lot different this year, like so many other things!). We secured necessary funding to continue our vital work for Arizonans. Everyone who bid on an item, donated or sponsored the event made this achievement possible. As a non-profit that doesn’t receive any government funding and never charges our clients a fee, we’re grateful for our generous supporters.

Every cent from our fundraiser goes toward: 

• Defending the rights of all Arizonans
• Holding our governments accountable to constituents
• Securing important public school funding, ensuring Arizona’s students get the support and tools they need 
• Advocating for clean air and water standards to protect our beautiful state and public health now and in the future

On behalf of our attorneys at ACLPI, thank you for your unwavering support. Because of you, we can all make a real difference in Arizona. 

Learn more about our work here.

Mark Your Calendars for ACLPI’s Annual Fundraising Auction

Our annual in-person fundraiser has been canceled due to the pandemic, but we’re excited to host an online auction with incredible items. All proceeds go directly to the Center, so we can continue to defend Arizona’s most vulnerable and underrepresented communities in 2020 and beyond. 

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to win big and support our cause.  

• The auction will go live Sept. 18 and end Sept. 27. 
• Participants have an opportunity to win a variety of big-ticket items, like a vacation in Loreto Bay, Mexico, known for its stunning landscape and rich history, or a stay at the enchanting Casa de San Pedro Bed and Breakfast – a Southern Arizona oasis.
• Every dollar goes toward our work, from supporting public schools, to protecting our natural environment and defending Arizonans’ civil rights. 

Find our full selection of amazing auction items and pre-register here. Bidding starts Sept. 18! 

ACLPI Joins Rights Organizations in Filing Complaint Regarding Arizona’s Discriminatory Crisis Standards of Care Plan

ACLPI, the Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL), the Arc of Arizona and the Native American Disability Law Center recently filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights. The complaint argues Arizona’s Crisis Standards of Care Plan (CSC) and its COVID-19 Addendum could lead to discrimination against people with disabilities, older residents, and individuals from communities of color.  

As COVID-19 cases continue to grow in Arizona, clear and specific protections for vulnerable and marginalized groups is needed more than ever. Moreover, the complaint alleges the CSC and Addendum is in violation of federal civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. 

Read the full complaint here.