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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    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

  • CPR Joins National Disability Organizations Calling for Access to Integrated Employment
    October 1, 2024
    In September 2024, CPR joined a national coalition of disability organizations in supporting the bipartisan “Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act” (TCIEA) (S. 533 / H.R.1263).  TCIEA would expand individuals’ opportunities for competitive integrated employment, provide grants and technical assistance to support the transformation of segregated employment settings, and gradually sunset the federal subminimum wage program under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 
  • CPR completes a year-long Supported Decision-Making grant with the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)
    July 31, 2024
    From July 2023 through June 2024, the Center for Public Representation (CPR), in collaboration with key community partners and with the financial support of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), designed and implemented an innovative “gap-filling” initiative to make Supported Decision-Making (SDM) more available to linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse communities in Massachusetts. This final report summarizes the project, its approach, lessons learned, and promising practices.
  • Massachusetts Court Approves Landmark Cross-Disability Settlement Agreement on Behalf of Individuals Stuck in Nursing Facilities
    June 18, 2024
    Following a fairness hearing on June 17, 2024, at the United States District Court in Boston, Judge Nathaniel Gorton entered a final order on June 18, 2024 approving a landmark cross-disability Settlement Agreement in Marsters v. Healey.  The Marsters case is a disability rights class action lawsuit brought against the Commonwealth on behalf of tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities who are unnecessarily institutionalized in nursing facilities. “This case is all about bringing people home. The Court’s approval of the Settlement Agreement will allow thousands of people with disabilities who are segregated in nursing facilities to come home to their communities, where we all want and deserve to live,” said Steven Schwartz, Special Counsel for CPR.
  • Federal Court Grants Preliminary Approval to CPR’s Landmark Settlement Agreement
    April 24, 2024
    On April 23, 2024, federal Judge Nathaniel Gorton preliminarily approved the Settlement Agreement in Marsters v. Healey.  The court also provisionally certified a class of people with disabilities in nursing facilities, and approved a notice that will sent to all people in nursing facilities in Massachusetts. 
  • U.S. Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Litigation on Behalf of Children and Families in Georgia
    April 23, 2024
    On April 22, 2024, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a comprehensive and compelling Statement of Interest opposing dismissal of a Class Action Complaint filed by CPR and partners on January 3, 2024.