East Providence Boys & Girls Club, Disability Discrimination, Rhode Island 2024

In a shocking case of disability discrimination, the East Providence Boys & Girls Club has agreed to settle allegations that it denied children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in its Kinder Camp program. The settlement was reached after a parent of a child with autism filed a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, alleging that the club refused to make reasonable accommodations for her child’s needs.

The investigation, handled by AUSA Amy Romero, found that the club’s Education Director had asked parents to submit a copy of their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) during the registration process for Kinder Camp. However, the club denied admission to five of the six children who submitted their IEP, citing concerns about their disabilities. One child with an IEP was eventually admitted, but only after the parent explained to the club’s Education Director that the child’s behaviors had improved since the IEP was written.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has secured a settlement agreement with the East Providence Boys & Girls Club, requiring the club to take certain remedial measures to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to its programs. These measures include training staff on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), evaluating each child on a case-by-case basis, and making reasonable modifications to permit children with disabilities to attend.

As part of the settlement, the club will also pay $20,000 in compensation to the aggrieved parents and children. The club will also be required to report to the U.S. Attorney’s Office on its compliance with the ADA for the next two years.

This is the fourth settlement agreement that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has entered into with a camp regarding violations of the ADA. The agreement serves as a reminder that children with disabilities have a right to equal access to summer camp programs and activities.

Defendant: East Providence Boys & Girls Club, Inc.
Criminal Charges: Disability Discrimination
City and State: Providence, RI
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: Settlement agreement, paying $20,000 in compensation, and implementing remedial measures to ensure equal access to programs for children with disabilities.
Dollar Amounts: $20,000 in compensation, and implementing remedial measures to ensure equal access to programs for children with disabilities.