Perkins Coie Files Class Action Lawsuit Against State of Oregon

Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities filed a class action lawsuit against the Governor of Oregon and other state officials. The lawsuit, which was filed on January 25 in US District Court in Oregon, alleges these officials are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide supported employment services to more than 2,300 state residents who are instead segregated in sheltered workshops where they perform mundane, rote tasks for sub-minimum wages. The plaintiffs are calling upon the state to comply with federal law by providing supported employment programs in integrated employment settings and developing measurable plans to modify the state's employment service system.  

Partner Larry Reichman is leading the Perkins Coie team which also includes Partner Steve English and Associate Nathan Christensen. The Perkins Coie team is working on this pro bono matter in conjunction with attorneys from Miller Nash, Disability Rights Oregon, and the Center for Public Representation in Boston.

For more media coverage on the case, visit OregonLive and the Portland Business Journal.