Americans with Disabilities Act

The state appealed a federal judge's ruling about whether it was improperly institutionalizing children who often require 24/7 care and have needs such as ventilators, feeding tubes and breathing tubes.

The federal judge wrote that he is “not persuaded that Florida will suffer irreparable damage without a stay," but that noncompliance can bring substantial harm to institutionalized children.

A key part of the decision would require the state to increase the availability of private-duty nursing that could help children receive care outside of nursing homes. The state says complying is "impossible."

The judge says the state violated the ADA and rights of children “who rely upon the provision of vital Medicaid services and are trying, in vain, to avoid growing up in nursing homes.”

The high court said it would decide a case involving an ADA "tester" who has filed over 600 federal lawsuits against hotel owners and operators, according to a court filing.

The Americans With Disabilities Act turns 32 this year, and while its anniversary is one to be celebrated, it also calls for a reflection on what more can be done for disability rights.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a notice that arguments will be held the week of Feb. 7 in Miami.

The families of students with disabilities are seeking an injunction against the governor's executive order while an appeal of a lower-court ruling moves forward.

People with disabilities face significant hurdles as COVID-19 protocols have made it harder for them to attend meetings of the Florida House and Senate.

As the Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30, a founder of the disability rights movement, Judy Heumann, talks to activist Imani Barbarin, born a few months after the landmark law was signed.