WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with the Regents of the University of California, resolving allegations that the UCLA Intervention Program violated federal disability laws. The complaint involved the dismissal of a toddler with developmental disabilities from its early intervention program and the program’s failure to make reasonable modifications to its policies.
The allegations centered on actions that OCR determined to potentially violate Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act—laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. According to the complaint, the UCLA Intervention Program removed the toddler from the program after a seizure on their second day of attendance. The program also allegedly denied requests for support measures, such as allowing a one-on-one aide, which could have enabled the child’s continued participation.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the UCLA Intervention Program has committed to several measures to address potential noncompliance with federal disability rights laws. These include implementing nondiscriminatory policies and procedures, establishing processes to provide reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities, and training staff on their obligations under federal civil rights laws. The program must also report to OCR on compliance efforts and will be under federal monitoring for two years.
“OCR is committed to removing discriminatory barriers that deny and limit opportunities for people with disabilities, including children with disabilities,” said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. She emphasized the vital role of early intervention programs in supporting the development and well-being of young children with disabilities.
This resolution highlights the importance of ensuring access to essential services for individuals with disabilities and reinforces OCR’s dedication to upholding federal civil rights laws across all programs and services. With these provisions in place, UCLA Intervention Program aims to ensure equal opportunities for children with disabilities to benefit from critical early intervention support.
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