Class Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Children With Autism
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/06/17 - Updated: 2024/06/09
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Lawyers and Rights - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Court preliminarily approves settlement agreement in class action lawsuit against Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) on behalf of children with autism. The Settlement Agreement requires, among other things, that ELARC continue funding and paying for all DIR or DIR/Floortime treatment programs for all eligible children who have been diagnosed, or provisionally diagnosed with autism.
Introduction
On June 10, 2010, the Los Angeles Superior Court issued an Order granting preliminary approval of a Settlement Agreement in the class action lawsuit, Benito R., et. al. v. Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center, et. al., which was filed on behalf of hundreds of children with autism against the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) earlier this year, after ELARC terminated funding for Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR) treatment services.
Main Content
Among other things, the Judge's Order requires notice to be mailed to all members of the class, including every parent of a child diagnosed with or provisionally diagnosed with autism served (or, if possible, who will be served) by the East Los Angeles Regional Center so that they know what is required of ELARC under the terms of the Settlement Agreement.
The Settlement Agreement requires, among other things, that ELARC continue funding and paying for all DIR or DIR/Floortime treatment programs for all eligible children who have been diagnosed, or provisionally diagnosed with autism. It also enjoins ELARC from:
- Failing to make DIR treatment programs available to Class Members.
- Engaging in any sort of retaliatory behavior against any Class Member or person associated with a Class Member.
- Asking, pressuring, conditioning or otherwise requiring a Class Member to give up, barter, or otherwise reduce or terminate another service in order to receive DIR treatment services.
- Classifying, characterizing, identifying or labeling DIR treatment programs as "experimental," "non-medical therapy," "specialized recreation," or "social recreational" as those terms are used in the Trailer Bill.
Earlier this year, the Court issued a preliminary injunction to reinstate funding for DIR treatment services.
Additional information about the Class Notices for this case can be found on ELARC's website.
The Settlement Agreement and the Superior Court Order are also available.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.